About us

We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. We focus on scientific innovation to deliver medicines and vaccines that may help millions of people around the world. Here you can learn more about us and our work in Switzerland.

Our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world

Young woman smiles during a meeting at the table with colleagues.

We are an attractive employer

At MSD, we strongly believe our people are our greatest asset. That is why we create a working environment that embraces diversity, promotes personal development and actively supports the reconciliation of professional and private life.

We offer modern working conditions, flexible home office options as well as attractive additional benefits. This also includes a generous 16-week parental leave for mothers and fathers.

Learn more

Sustainability and global health

Sustainability and global health are firmly embedded in MSD’s strategy. We combine responsible action with innovation, are committed to sustainably improving access to healthcare, promote a diverse corporate culture and pursue ambitious environmental goals – with the clear ambition of creating long-term impact for patients, society and the environment.

Learn more

Close-up of a woman during a team meeting

We are guided by inspiring leaders

Our leaders focus on our purpose to use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. They do this in an appreciative and inclusive work environment and live our values.

Meet our leaders

A man sitting at the table smiling during a meeting

We support diversity and inclusion

Around 50% of women at MSD Switzerland work in senior positions. We support our employees’ involvement in various networks, such as the Women’s Network, the Next Generation Network or the LGBTI Network. We proudly carry the “Swiss LGBTI Label”, a certification for companies and organisations with an open and inclusive culture.

Learn more

We run clinical trials

Switzerland is one of more than fifty countries where MSD conducts clinical research.

From our site in Citybay Lucerne, our team currently coordinates 40 clinical trials in Switzerland in the fields of oncology, infectious diseases, immunology and general medicine (as of 01/2026).

Learn more

Scientists Thornberry and Weber smile at the camera

We continue our success story

For over 130 years, we’ve been guided by the view that great medicines and vaccines change the world. Our legacy of inventing medicines and vaccines continues to this day.

Learn more

We focus on disease areas with unmet medical need

Find out more about our main areas of focus.

Oncology

We are working to prevent cancer through vaccination and to provide oncologists with treatment options that give their patients a better quality of life and more time.

Learn more

Vaccines

Vaccines are one of the greatest public health success stories – and we’ve been discovering, developing and delivering vaccines to help prevent disease for over 100 years.

Learn more

Infectious diseases

We play an important role in discovering and developing innovative medicines and vaccines to treat and prevent infectious diseases, including HIV, CMV and antimicrobial therapies.

Learn more

Cardio-metabolic disorders

We have a long tradition of making significant contributions in the area of cardio-metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Learn more

We are a great team

At MSD Switzerland, we are a diverse team of more than 50 nations. We work together on MSD’s mission to save and improve lives and volunteer for charitable organizations and projects. We love what we do and have fun doing it. Learn more about us in our stories!

Picture: drone shooting of MSD Schachen location

Inside Schachen: a glance at our high-tech development center

Our MSD site in Schachen in the Canton of Lucerne is no ordinary site. It is a fusion of the most modern technology, innovative research and development, and an inspiring work environment.

Volunteering? A point of honor for us at MSD

Did you know that MSD employees can use 40 hours of paid working time each year to volunteer in various projects? Here you can find out how this can look like.

Doctor talking to patient lying in a hospital bed

Addressing antibiotic resistance is more critical than ever. Here’s why.

Since their development, antibiotics have transformed health care and saved countless lives globally. But rising levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) make current antibiotics less effective.

Dr. Maurice Hilleman: “The father of modern vaccines”

Vaccines are part of MSD’s history and are closely associated with Dr. Maurice Hilleman (1919-2005), the father of modern vaccine science. During his nearly 30-year career at MSD, he developed more than 40 vaccines for humans and animals. This legacy continues today thanks to our dedicated researchers. The story of modern day vaccines began in […]

Inside Schachen: a glance at our high-tech development center

Our MSD site in Schachen in the Canton of Lucerne is no ordinary site. It is a fusion of the most modern technology, innovative research and development, and an inspiring work environment.

Next: Inside Schachen: a glance at our high-tech development center

Volunteering? A point of honor for us at MSD

Did you know that MSD employees can use 40 hours of paid working time each year to volunteer in various projects? Here you can find out how this can look like.

Next: Volunteering? A point of honor for us at MSD

Addressing antibiotic resistance is more critical than ever. Here’s why.

Since their development, antibiotics have transformed health care and saved countless lives globally. But rising levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) make current antibiotics less effective.

Next: Addressing antibiotic resistance is more critical than ever. Here’s why.

Dr. Maurice Hilleman: “The father of modern vaccines”

Next: Dr. Maurice Hilleman: “The father of modern vaccines”

^{CH-NON-00617, 02/2026}