A global biopharmaceutical firm is to create 130 jobs in Dublin. Nasdaq-listed Parexel is opening a new global hub in Kilmainham.

It says the positions will be created over the next 12 to 18 months across all areas of their business - clinical, technology, legal, consulting, and logistics.

Seventy employees are already in place, and recruitment is underway for the new posts.

The investment is supported by the Department of Jobs through IDA Ireland.

Douglas A Batt, senior vice president at Parexel, said: "Europe is important to our growth and business strategy, and Ireland specifically is a key country from which we can better serve our customers and continue our growth".

"This office will be a global decision-making hub for our company. Senior leaders based here will be making strategic decisions for the company worldwide, and this office will play a critical role in continuing to bring Parexel's global brand to the world."

Parexel provides a broad range of contract research, consulting, medical communications, and technology solutions and services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries.

It operates in 80 locations in 51 countries around the world, and had approximately 17,440 employees in the third quarter.