Hi everyone!

So I recently visited Zurich and fell in love with the city. I am currently living in the US but have lived and attended school abroad, as well as did an internship in Africa this past summer. I would love the opportunity to work in the biotech or pharmaceutical field in Switzerland. I am looking for a hands on laboratory research position.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biophysics and a Masters degee in Biomedical Engineering with a total of 9 internships and graduate research assitantships in various science fields including immunology, biology, and biomedical engineering. I also have 1 1/2 years of cell culture experience. I have already applied to many of the obvious companies such as Novartis, Merck, Roche, etc. but I was wondering if anyone had any other close connections that they might be able to help me further my job search. I would be happy to PM my CV to anyone who wants more info on my background. I would appreciate any more advice or help on the matter. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Jen

I wonder if this is of any interest to you (mainly PhD and postdoc positions): http://www.telejob.ch/

Hi
I did a master in chemistry in France/Switzerland and then a PhD in England. As far as I can say, the market is completely different in Switzerland and in England. In England (and in the US), you can find a research job after a Master.
In Switzerland, if you don't have a PhD, you will be working as a technician. Most of the technicians come from Switzerland and Germany and I don't think it will be easy to find a technician position here. My advice will be to apply for a PhD in Switzerland if you really want to move here.

You could also try to fall in love with Basel

Have you tried the Zoo??

Yes, agree. Ph.D is a must. Also non-EU citizens are queued at the end for work permits. Ph.D. qualifies as "expert" and facilitates visas.

Basler/Baslerin would be even better.

Generally yes, a PhD does seem to count for a lot in CH- but this is not always the case. If your qualifications are good (no PhD) but you have the right level of experience & expertise, it is possible to acquire management/Lab Head role as a research scientist. Admittedly, progress to get there can sometimes be slower though.

If the OP is considering a move here and fails to find a role more senior than LabTech then it may be advisable to study for a PhD and try again.