Key strengths, as highlighted by survey participants, focused on the organisaton's aspirational work culture, its dynamic and intellectually challenging environment, and its commitment to collaboration, which scientists enjoy at its research centres across the globe.
Mene Pangalos, Head of AstraZeneca’s Innovative Medicines and Early Development (IMED) Biotech Unit says: “Any time you walk into our labs, you can see, hear and feel the infectious enthusiasm for scientific innovation. We provide the cutting-edge technology and facilities but it’s our fantastic scientists who bring their intellectual curiosity and exceptional skills, drive and dedication to deliver life-changing new medicines.”
Bahia Jallal, Head of MedImmune, adds: “What sets us apart is our freedom to dream big — to come up with new ideas and take smart risks in the pursuit of science. With our entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative approach, we have the vision of modifying or even curing diseases such as cancer, diabetes and asthma, while nurturing the next generation of outstanding scientists.”
AstraZeneca and MedImmune say that their scientists, who work at research sites in the UK, Sweden, the US and China, don’t just follow the latest developments and breakthroughs – they drive them. In 2016, IMED and MedI scientists published more than 775 papers about their research. Scientists work in an open and collaborative research environment, with over 1,000 ongoing collaborations with academic and industry partners across the globe.
The Science Top Employer Survey is carried out each year among employees in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and biopharmaceutical industries across the globe to find out which are the 20 best places to work and why. The survey is commissioned by Science Careers, the ‘go-to’ employment resource for all scientists, provided through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This year, 6,950 employees completed the survey – rating companies on 23 characteristics, including financial strength, easy adaptation to change, and a research-driven environment.
Read the full article in Science