Abbott named among top employers in pharma sector

Abbott has been named as one of the top employers in the biopharmaceutical industry in a new survey conducted by Science magazine.

The company was included in the publication's list of the 20 top biopharma employers for 2011 based on analysis of 23 characteristics, with Abbott ranking highly in terms of its innovative research, social responsibility and respect for its employees.

Abbott was praised for the growth opportunities its staff are able to enjoy, with various award schemes in place to reward its most distinguished engineers and scientists.

Dr John Leonard, senior vice-president for pharmaceutical research and development at Abbott, said its science staff are the foundation of the business' success.

"Abbott has worked hard to create a diverse and creative scientific organisation that encourages and rewards innovative thinking to find meaningful solutions for patients around the world," he said.

According to the company's last fiscal report in July 2011, Abbott saw a nine percent year-on-year increase in global sales in the second quarter of the year.