Best Small and Medium Workplaces in Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals

best small and medium workplaces in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals

Fortune 

To determine the Best Workplaces in Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals in 2026, Fortune partnered with global people analytics firm <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.greatplacetowork.com/">Great Place to Work</a> to analyze survey feedback representing nearly 36,000 U.S. employees. See also: the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fortune.com/ranking/best-workplaces-biotechnology-pharmaceuticals/2026">Best Large Workplaces in Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals</a>.

Employees say:"Mirum makes a real effort to understand what employees need and back that up with meaningful changes that improve the workplace. Leadership creates an environment where people feel valued and supported, and that makes coming to work feel both validating and rewarding. All levels of management encourages open/anonymous feedback and actively listens to employees, regularly implementing improvements based on what people share. That commitment to continuous improvement makes it clear that leadership genuinely cares about creating a positive and supportive work environment."

Mirum Pharmaceuticals

Employees say:"The culture at Tarsus is truly unlike any other workplace I have experienced. The company actively celebrates diverse backgrounds and cultural observances, creating an environment where employees feel welcomed and valued. Tarsus also demonstrates genuine care for its employees through thoughtful initiatives, such as providing daily meals and snacks, offering special treats, and even hosting monthly wellness amenities like massage chairs. Equally important, employees are encouraged to contribute ideas, apply lessons from prior experience, and share feedback openly. Leadership listens, values employee input, and empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions. I cannot recommend Tarsus enough as an exceptional place to work."

Tarsus

Employees say:"It is the THE most transparent, collaborative, mission oriented high performing and fun group of people I've even had the good fortune to work with. In over two years I've yet to meet a single person I'd be uncomfortable getting stuck in an airport or uber with. Our ELT is chock full or absolutely brilliant high performing people who are amazing humans... they are truly leaders and not managers. The focus on our patients is always at the forefront and it is truly ONE team working together and supporting each other. This my work family and my final career choice. I will retire here one day!"

BillionToOne

Employees say:"Vaxcyte is not as stratified as some other companies—junior employees can talk to upper management upon request or even casually. One of the co-founders frequently eats lunch at a lunch table with junior employees. Folks are respected as humans beyond their role definition and title."

Vaxcyte

Employees say:"I just feel it's been one of the best places I've worked with no drama at least that I've experienced. &nbsp;I have a very caring team, and great support, whom I also care greatly for and support and I love the work I do. I also enjoy my peer group who has shown progress working through issues/differences. &nbsp;I appreciate the different ways employees can be involved with projects and events if they choose. &nbsp;We have a wonderful IT team and I never feel I am, or anyone else is, without suport there as well. &nbsp;Everyone is hard-working and works smartly, while also having fun and are engaging. &nbsp;It is a warm and welcoming environment for the most part. &nbsp;Overall, a really great company to work for/be a part of."

Cytokinetics

Employees say:"Sequel truly exemplifies 'be a good human, be transparent and never settle.' The people who work here believe in being good humans, being honest and communicative with the team and always striving to do better. They care about each other as professionals, but also as individual people as well. The culture here is largely what makes me excited to do my job every day."

Sequel Med Tech

Employees say:"When I was having mental health issues and requested time off, Ostro supported me in every way they could. I really appreciate being somewhere that values the whole employee and supports them through times of need. This is the case for team members too, when someone is sick, or helping family who are sick, they are supported. The offsites are incredible, with great team bonding activities in beautiful locations and we also have the best company swag, comfy hoodies, water bottles, etc., that make me feel part of a bigger team."

Ostro

Employees say:"They listen to their people better than anywhere I have worked. If you have an idea that help productivity or culture, your thoughts are immediately considered, and changes can be implemented if necessary for the betterment of the organization. You feel like you can make a difference here."

Arcutis Biotherapeutics

Employees say:"The most unique and special attribute of Mirador is the unwavering, positive direction and commitment that cascades down from the Executive Team. There is a special energy that I (and I'm sure others) feel when we have Town Halls or All Hands meetings and see just how far we have come and what we have accomplished. It inspires me and gives me great pride to be a part of Mirador."

Mirador Therapeutics

Employees say:"Phathom's 'Phamily' mentality and prioritization of its people make it a special place to work. Everyone is treated as an important member of the team, regardless of rank or department. It genuinely feels like we are all working towards a shared goal and want the same things. The benefits are also some of the best I've ever had and I'm grateful that hasn't changed even as the company has grown over the years."

Phathom Pharmaceuticals

Employees say:"The Leadership Team is highly approachable and intentionally fosters an open, collaborative environment, sitting alongside employees in an open office setting. Employees are also encouraged to explore internal mobility opportunities, both within the U.S. and internationally. This enables individuals to expand into new business functions, accelerate professional growth, and gain valuable global experience through assignments at international sites."

Servier

Employees say:"There is a lot of opportunity for autonomy. I feel like my experience and work is respected and appreciated. I feel that I get the recognition I deserve. I love my team and I have a lot of respect for my manager, which I feel is rare in an organization. I trust him and therefore work harder for him. I believe in the work we do here at Iantrek and that we are making a difference in people's lives. I am proud to say that I'm a part of it."

Iantrek

Employees say:"A truly great place to work isn't just where people thrive - it's where they want to show up every day. &nbsp;Arcus is a magical place where science and people come together to make the world a better place that where we found it. &nbsp;This company inspires collaborative teamwork in an exciting industry that fosters individual growth while advancing complex treatments for patients in need. &nbsp;It is where I want to show up every day."

Arcus Biosciences

Employees say:"We give back to the community by doing volunteer days during the year (food banks, thrift stores, pet rescues, etc). it's a great team building exercise while helping others in need. We get free healthy snacks and drinks in the office. We also celebrate certain cancer awareness months to bring light to the all the cancer patients affected by the disease. It really keeps the "patient connection" alive as we do our day to day work. We are a patient first company and our values and principles reflect that."

Taiho Oncology

Employees say:"One unique aspect of Veracyte that makes it a great place to work is its proactive support for innovation through programs like the VeraAI Champions initiative. As a participant, I've experienced firsthand how the company encourages employees to explore AI enhancements and embrace emerging technologies. Veracyte's openness to experimentation and its investment in employee-led innovation truly sets it apart."

Veracyte

Employees say:"The culture of 'Caring for Employees and Being Considerate' is more than just a slogan here. I recently felt the impact of this value when I needed time away to visit my mother. The organization's flexibility and quick support allowed me to focus on my family when it mattered most. I am proud to be part of a company that balances professional excellence with such a high level of empathy and consideration."

Kyowa Kirin

Employees say:"I love the culture and core values of Dynavax. I love that the company is people first and management truly cares about their employees. This place is unique because Dynavax really listens to its employees' wants and needs to perform their jobs. Any opportunity I have I am telling my friends and family to join this company because they will not regret it."

Dynavax

Employees say:"Merz is a special bubble in pharma, somehow. People keep patients as the focus and, as a result, there is very little politics or trying to get ahead of each other. It is unusual to meet the family that owns the company you work for and feel that they really care about your well-being. We get things done, and have high expectations of each other, but that is balanced with also caring that people are happy and fulfilled by what they are doing and not ground down into pulp."

Merz Therapeutics

Employees say:"Management is kind, extremely generous, put employees first -- this is the best place that you can work for! People are surprised when they hear about all the treatments and financial support the company provides to everyone! Our owner is a good person with a good heart!"

Compound Solutions

Employees say:"When joining Chiesi, I have experienced such a warm welcome. &nbsp;The team brought me in with open arms, provided me the tools to succeed, and has a level of trust that no one is trying to get ahead of anyone. &nbsp;We work as one team and are given clear direction. &nbsp;We have a sense of independence to go out and explore the best option, even if that means making mistakes along the way. &nbsp;Truly amazing place to work and I'm so happy to be here."

Chiesi USA

Employees say:"There is a genuine sense of teamwork and camaraderie here that goes beyond just getting the work done. For example, when challenges arise or urgent projects come up, people quickly step in to help, even if it's outside their direct responsibilities. There's a shared mindset of "we're in this together," and that creates a culture where collaboration and problem-solving feel natural, not forced."

BioTissue

Employees say:"This is a small yet mighty and high-functioning team. There is strong leadership that is dedicated to the overall mission of bringing therapies for diseases with high unmet need that patients are waiting for - and that resonates well with me. They hire the best people and as a result each individual is very talented and also very team oriented and fun to work with. Leaders care about the employee's career growth and professional development which I appreciate."

Zura Bio

Employees say:"The people at this company are truly special, from top to bottom of the corporate ladder. The bond between my team, the other teams here and the company as a whole is beyond anything I've ever seen professionally. Time and time again I've seen quiet, scared and reserved new hires start here and quickly blossom into strong, responsible individuals who are not afraid to question themselves and those around them. This company truly fosters a sense of community and friendship that helps us communicate openly and honesty to work together as smoothly as possible."

Nihon Kohden America

Employees say:"I really appreciate the level of transparency from leadership (Executive and Management). I rarely feel like I'm in the dark about the company's goals or what the next milestone and push is for."

Dianthus Therapeutics

Employees say:"People truly care about the work they are doing and are committed to delivering in a timely manner. &nbsp;The amount of caring and support for people as they navigate difficult personal situations (personal illness, family illness, death of a family member) is extraordinary."

Life Biosciences

Employees say:"I feel like Harmony is a very team oriented place to work and that there is great collaboration both within and between teams. There is great support from the executive level and I feel that they truly are part of the company, not separated from the rest of us doing the daily work."

Harmony Biosciences

Employees say:"This organization is one of the very few outside of academia that focuses directly on biodiversity remediation and applied research. It is unique to be part of a company that dedicates itself to such a critical mission. Having the opportunity to work on projects with direct environmental and conservation impacts makes this a very meaningful place to work."

Colossal Biosciences

Employees say:"The most unusual and compelling aspect of our culture is its authenticity and its bias toward action over perfection. Our leadership doesn't pretend to have all the answers or uphold certain values that aren't actually practiced. Instead, we have a clear, lived permission to openly 'try and fail, and re-do things better'. This authentic cycle of experimentation and iterative improvement is core to who we are, fostering a high-integrity environment where I genuinely feel I can be my best, authentic self."

Roivant Sciences

Employees say:"I love working here because the company is constantly growing and evolving with that growth. It's exciting to be part of a team that embraces change and adapts quickly. There are endless opportunities for both personal development and team growth, which makes every day an opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow together."

Sanguine Biosciences

Employees say:"Our leadership is among the most fair of any organization I've ever worked for. They are open to any ideas that will help grow the company, and it is very common for the team that works here to give each other gifts for birthdays, family celebrations, etc."

BPL Source

See which workplaces made this year's list.

To produce the Fortune Best Workplaces in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals list, Fortune partnered with the people analytics firm Great Place To Work®. Great Place To Work has been surveying employees around the world about their workplace experiences for 30 years. Great Place To Work has developed a set of themes and metrics that not only reveal whether employees feel their workplace is great, but also predict retention, agility, and overall business success.   

Using their proprietary Trust Index™ survey, Great Place To Work measures the core of what they know creates great workplaces — key behaviors that drive trust in management, connection with colleagues, and loyalty to the company.   

The survey enables employees to share confidential quantitative and qualitative feedback about their organization’s culture by responding to 60 statements on a five-point scale and answering two open-ended questions.   

Employees tell Great Place To Work whether or not their leaders are accessible, if they communicate honestly and clearly, and if their actions match their words. Employees share whether they feel respected as individuals, if they receive support for their well-being and personal development, and if they have opportunities to contribute, and appreciation for their work. They share whether they believe their company is fair related to pay, profits, promotions, recognition, favoritism, and opportunities for growth. They share if they are proud of their work, their team, and their company, if they feel they make a difference, and if their work is meaningful. And they share whether they enjoy the people they work with, if they feel cared for, and if they can be themselves.    

List rankings are based on this employee feedback, which is analyzed to determine the extent to which this experience is shared by the full workforce. Great Place To Work measures the differences in survey responses across demographic groups and roles within each organization to assess both the quality and consistency of the employee experience. Statements are weighted according to their relevance in describing the most important aspects of an equitable workplace.   

The best companies create great work experiences not just for full-time managers, but also for their part-time employees on the front lines, for those who’ve just joined and those who’ve spent their whole career there, for every race and ethnicity, gender, neurotype, or other demographic in the organization, Great Place To Work looks at it all. Companies with the broadest set of employees who report positive workplace experience receive the highest rankings on lists.  

In order to analyze employee feedback in context, Great Place To Work collects information from each company including their industry, revenue, size, and employee demographics. They identify the organizations that offer the most generous, caring and innovative cultures reflecting a genuine commitment to meet the diversity of their people’s needs inside and outside the workplace as validated by what employees themselves report in survey results.  

Because employee feedback drives these rankings, surveys must meet strict requirements for how they are distributed and the percentage of employees who respond to ensure they accurately represent honest feedback from the company’s full population. To be eligible for the Fortune Best Workplaces in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals list, companies must be Great Place To Work Certified™, have 10 or more employees in the U.S., and be in the biotechnology & pharmaceuticals industry. Companies with 10 to 999 people are considered for the small and medium category; companies with 1,000 employees or more are considered for the large category. Companies appearing on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® list rank at the top.   

In the last year, Great Place To Work surveyed companies employing 7.3 million people in the U.S. and received 1.3 million survey responses. Of those, nearly 36,000 responses were received from employees at companies who were eligible for the 2026 Fortune Best Workplaces in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals list, and this list is based on their feedback.  

To find out more about how to become Great Place To Work Certified™ or to apply to this or other Best Workplaces lists, visit greatplacetowork.com.

Best Small and Medium Workplaces in Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals

Best Small and Medium Workplaces in Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Ranking (2026)