OREANDA-NEWS. Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced it was named one of the top 20 employers in the biopharmaceutical industry by Science magazine, a leading peer-reviewed international scientific publication. Merck ranked 17th among biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. This is the second year in a row that Merck has been named to the Top Employer list, improving from its position of number 20 in 2014.

Merck is proud of the innovation that exists within its R&D organizations across all business areas, and the commitment of employees to deliver that innovation to our stakeholders, including patients in need around the world. The people of Merck are fundamental to its success, and this recognition is a compliment to their dedication and contributions.

Each year, Science Careers commissions a survey to identify the top employers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry and to determine the characteristics that best describe a top employer. This year, the results are based on 5,700 responses to a web-based survey deployed by e-mail.

In selecting the best companies, respondents yet again chose "innovative leader" as the top-driving characteristic. A top employer is also defined as an organization that "treats employees with respect," "has loyal employees," "is socially responsible," and has a "work culture aligned" with employees' values.

The 2015 survey included a way for respondents to rank the biggest advantages to working in the biopharma industry. Workers voted "innovation" solidly as #1, followed by "working with smart colleagues" and "excellent compensation and benefits" as a close #2 and #3, respectively.

Merck ranked highly across the categories of social responsibility, having loyal employees, and having a work culture aligned with employees' values.

Science Magazine's annual Top Employer feature became available in print and online October 29, 2015 and includes detailed survey results for the top 20 companies overall.