All jobsScience & Research

47 Science & Research Jobs in Switzerland

Each experiment brings new data to interpret, protocols to refine, and questions that reshape the hypothesis.

Science & Research jobs by city

• Basel17
• Hong Kong10
• Singapore10
• Callao10
• Visp7
• Łódź7
• Cerro de Pasco6
• Tsukuba6
• Colombia6
• Hyderābād5
• Lima5
• Antwerpen5
• Richmond5
• Shanghai5
• Brussels5
• Changsha5

Specialities in Science & Research

• Health and Medical Research197
• General Research134
• Scientific Technicians120
• Environmental and Climate Science113
• Chemical and Physical Science97
• Biological Science67

Questions

• What qualifications are needed to work in science and research?

  Most roles require at least an undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific discipline, with many positions requiring a master's or PhD. Laboratory technician and research assistant positions may accept candidates with a bachelor's degree and practical experience, while senior research roles and principal investigator positions typically require a doctorate and a strong publication record.

• What does a typical day involve in a research role?

  Days involve conducting experiments following established protocols, recording observations and data, analysing results, maintaining and calibrating equipment, and attending team meetings. Time is also spent reading scientific literature, troubleshooting experimental issues, preparing samples, and documenting work in laboratory notebooks or electronic systems.

• How do laboratory roles differ from field research positions?

  Laboratory roles involve controlled indoor environments with specialised equipment, focusing on bench work, sample analysis, and reproducible conditions. Field research takes place outdoors or in natural settings, dealing with variable conditions, collecting environmental samples or biological specimens, and often requiring physical stamina and adaptability to weather and terrain.

• What career progression exists in science and research?

  Progression typically moves from research assistant or technician to postdoctoral researcher, then to senior scientist, principal investigator, or research group leader. Some researchers transition into project management, regulatory affairs, scientific writing, or commercial roles in industry, while others pursue permanent academic positions or move into policy and consultancy.

• Is previous laboratory experience required for entry-level roles?

  Many entry-level positions accept candidates without prior professional experience if they have completed practical laboratory work during their degree. Internships, undergraduate research projects, and summer placements strengthen applications, and some employers offer training for candidates with strong academic backgrounds but limited hands-on experience.

• What working hours are typical in research positions?

  Standard roles follow regular weekday hours, though experiments often dictate the schedule with early starts, late finishes, or weekend work to monitor time-sensitive processes. Clinical research and some industry positions maintain stricter schedules, while academic research offers more flexibility balanced against project deadlines and equipment availability.

• How does academic research differ from industry research?

  Academic research emphasises fundamental questions, publication, and long-term exploratory projects with more independence in choosing directions. Industry research focuses on applied problems, product development, and commercial outcomes with tighter deadlines, more structured teams, and intellectual property considerations rather than open publication.

• What technical skills are most important in research roles?

  Core skills include operating analytical instruments, following experimental protocols precisely, maintaining accurate records, and performing statistical analysis of data. Familiarity with relevant software, understanding of safety procedures, ability to troubleshoot equipment problems, and adaptability to new techniques as projects evolve are equally valuable.

• Do research roles involve much collaboration or independent work?

  Most research combines both, with scientists working independently on specific experiments while contributing to team projects and sharing equipment and expertise. Regular meetings, peer review of protocols, co-authorship of papers, and cross-functional projects with other departments create collaborative elements within otherwise solitary bench work.

• What are the main challenges in science and research work?

  Experiments frequently fail or produce unexpected results requiring repetition and troubleshooting, which demands patience and persistence. Funding uncertainties, competition for resources, pressure to publish, strict regulatory requirements, and the reality that months of work may not yield publishable findings create ongoing professional pressures.