BioSpace Unveils the Top Biopharma Work Environments for 2025
Over 3,600 professionals from the life sciences sector contributed to the selection of 50 U.S.-based companies recognized by BioSpace as the 2025 Best Places to Work. Notably, Moderna and Sutro Biopharma emerged as the leading large and small employers, respectively, with Moderna located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Sutro in San Francisco.
This esteemed list highlights 20 large corporations and 30 smaller firms. In June, employers were nominated, followed by a voting phase in August where professionals in the life sciences identified their top three preferred workplaces.
“Life sciences organizations have shown resilience amid market fluctuations, and it’s heartening to observe their commitment to fostering positive employee environments,” remarked Josh Goodwin, BioSpace CEO. “As recruitment begins to rise again, the Best Place to Work title offers a tremendous opportunity for these organizations to illustrate their work culture.”
Employees rated these companies based on eight key factors: compensation, innovation, career advancement prospects, leadership, culture, diversity, equity and inclusion, reputation, and adaptability regarding remote work.
Moderna received the title of No. 1 large employer for the fourth consecutive year, earning the highest evaluations in all categories, particularly in innovation. Sutro also ranked impressively across all attributes, with culture as the standout factor.
Completing the top five large employers were Eli Lilly and Company, Regeneron, Amgen, and Novo Nordisk. The top five small employers included Apogee Therapeutics, Poseida Therapeutics, Kriya Therapeutics, and A2 Biotherapeutics.
To delve deeper into the attributes that contribute to a top workplace, executives from Moderna and Sutro shared insights.
Moderna: Fostering a Culture of Belonging and Learning
Tracey Franklin, Moderna’s Chief Human Resources Officer, emphasized that a sense of belonging and continuous learning defines the company’s corporate culture.
“At Moderna, we ensure that our employees can fully express themselves at work—every idea and insight is valued,” Franklin stated. “Through initiatives such as Moderna University and our AI Academy, we encourage our team to evolve and innovate.”
Moderna University encompasses five distinct colleges, tackling subjects including digital innovation and leadership. Aiming to enhance AI skills across the company, the AI Academy embodies this goal and coincides with their recent move to a new headquarters.
Promoting belonging, Moderna hosts nine employee resource groups, comprising Accessibility and Disability Allies Partnering Together (ADAPT), Black, African American, and African Employees and Allies (mPOWER), and Moderna RaiNbow Alliance for LGBTQ+ Colleagues (mRNA).
Franklin noted the BioSpace 2025 Best Places to Work award signifies their dedication to cultivating an environment for growth and advancement.
“We challenge our people, and in response, we prioritize their development and health. This award symbolizes how integral they are to Moderna and our mission,” she added, referencing their aim to profoundly influence lives through mRNA innovations.
We’re not just advancing science. We’re changing how medicines are made and delivered. If you’re looking for a place to make a real impact, this is it.
Tracey Franklin, Chief Human Resources Officer at Moderna
Franklin added that for potential recruits, this recognition sends a compelling signal about the transformative opportunities available at Moderna, which thrives on a foundation of curiosity and innovation.
While looking toward 2025, Franklin emphasized the commitment to nurturing their culture through leadership enhancement and expanding programs focused on employee wellness encompassing physical, social, mental, and financial aspects.
Sutro: Centering Mission, Purpose, and Teamwork
Sutro Biopharma’s mission is a vital aspect of what makes it an exemplary workplace, according to Linda Fitzpatrick, the Chief People and Communications Officer. The company is dedicated to finding and developing specifically designed cancer therapies.
“Every employee at Sutro has a personal connection to cancer in some form—from family to friends—which makes our mission profoundly significant,” Fitzpatrick revealed.
Collaboration is also pivotal, emphasizing that every team member’s voice is vital in their work.
This designation means to our employees that collaboration matters. Purpose matters. Patients matter.
Linda Fitzpatrick, Chief People and Communications Officer at Sutro Biopharma
Fitpatrick emphasizes that this recognition verifies the culture and collaborative spirit inherent at Sutro.
She highlighted that for job seekers, the award affirms the positive feedback they’ve received during their job search, reinforcing Sutro’s reputation.
Additional factors that contribute to Sutro being a top employer are its learning and professional development offerings, as well as employee benefits, which include mentorship through SkillCycle and access to counseling services through Lyra Health.
Looking ahead, Sutro intends to build upon the features that solidify its status as a best employer, with plans for enhanced career development and job rotation opportunities across various functional areas.
2025 Best Places to Work winners, large employers: Moderna, Eli Lilly and Company, Regeneron, Amgen, Banco Nordisk, among others.
2025 Best Places to Work winners, small employers: Sutro Biopharma, Apogee Therapeutics, and others.
For more details, visit 2025 Best Places to Work.