BioSpace has revealed its list of the 50 Best Places to Work in biopharma for 2025, with Moderna and Sutro Biopharma securing top spots as the leading large and small employers, respectively. The list, which includes companies with U.S. operations, was determined based on feedback from over 3,600 life sciences professionals who nominated and voted on the most desirable workplaces.
Moderna, the Cambridge-based mRNA pioneer, was named the No. 1 large employer for the fourth consecutive year, while Sutro Biopharma, headquartered in San Francisco, topped the small employer category. The ranking recognized both companies for their commitment to creating positive work environments and fostering employee growth.
Resilience and Focus on Employee Experience
The Best Places to Work list is based on a variety of factors, including compensation, innovation, career growth opportunities, leadership, culture, diversity, equity and inclusion, reputation, and flexibility. Companies were nominated in June, with employees casting their votes in August to identify the organizations that stood out in these areas.
Josh Goodwin, CEO of BioSpace, praised the resilience of life sciences companies in navigating market uncertainties, adding, “It’s encouraging to see how many are focused on creating positive employee experiences.” As hiring trends improve, being named a Best Place to Work provides businesses with a powerful tool to showcase their supportive workplace culture.
Moderna: Innovation and Belonging at the Core
Moderna’s success in maintaining its No. 1 position highlights its commitment to fostering an environment where innovation and employee growth thrive. Tracey Franklin, the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, emphasized the importance of belonging and continuous learning in making Moderna a standout employer.
“At Moderna, our people know they can bring their full selves to work, and their ideas, perspectives, and creativity are deeply valued,” Franklin said. The company offers opportunities for professional development through initiatives like Moderna University and its AI Academy, which provides employees with training in digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
In addition to its educational programs, Moderna fosters inclusivity through nine employee resource groups, such as the Moderna RaiNbow Alliance for LGBTQ+ employees and mPOWER for Black, African American, and African employees. Franklin explained that the company’s focus on employee well-being includes various programs aimed at enhancing physical, social, mental, and financial health.
“We’re committed to our employees’ growth and well-being,” Franklin said. “This recognition is a reminder of how central they are to our mission of delivering impactful mRNA medicines.”
Sutro Biopharma: Purpose-Driven and Collaborative Culture
Sutro Biopharma, ranked as the top small employer, stands out for its strong sense of mission and a collaborative, inclusive work culture. Linda Fitzpatrick, Sutro’s Chief People and Communications Officer, described the company’s focus on creating a purpose-driven environment, where the personal connection to the work is deeply felt by every employee.
“Our mission to develop cancer therapeutics is personal for many of us, whether it’s through our own experiences or those of our loved ones,” Fitzpatrick said. The company prides itself on fostering collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued, which Fitzpatrick believes is a key reason Sutro was named a Best Place to Work.
Sutro also offers numerous professional development programs, such as mentorship opportunities through SkillCycle and access to free counseling services via Lyra Health. Fitzpatrick emphasized the company’s intentional approach to employee benefits, ensuring that offerings are tailored to meet the diverse needs of its workforce.
Looking ahead, Fitzpatrick highlighted the expansion of Sutro’s career development programs, particularly through its job rotation initiative. This program allows employees to work in different departments, providing them with new skills and perspectives while contributing to the company’s overall success.
“We want to offer more opportunities for employees to grow their careers and enhance their effectiveness,” Fitzpatrick said. “Job rotation is a creative way to do that.”
Continued Focus on Employee Well-Being and Growth
Both Moderna and Sutro Biopharma plan to build on their successes by continuing to focus on leadership development, employee well-being, and career growth. As they move into 2025, both companies are committed to scaling their cultures of inclusivity, learning, and innovation, ensuring they remain top employers in the biopharma industry.
The 2025 Best Places to Work list is a testament to the positive impact these organizations have on their employees and the broader life sciences community.
You Might Be Interested In:
