French-based Biotrial, a research organization that supports pharmaceutical and biotech companies, plans to establish its North American headquarters in Newark’s University Heights Science Park, creating an estimated 100 jobs.

Mayor Cory Booker stated, “Newark is proud that Biotrial is joining the wave of companies from all around the world building their national and international headquarters in our City. Biotrial is bringing economic development to Newark on all fronts: medical research and innovation, construction jobs, and 100 permanent jobs. Biotrial will benefit from its close proximity to Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences and to NJIT. This potential partnership between Newark’s research institutions and Biotrial will help to expand biomedical and high-tech research and development opportunities in our great City.”

“Biotrial has a long history of close and efficient collaboration with well-established neighboring institutions and views these alliances as essential elements to the community. In addition, we look forward to having our own building, designed specifically for our needs, in order to anchor our presence in Newark for years to come,” said Jean-Marc Gandon, CEO of Biotrial.

The city of Newark recently approved the design for Science Park, part of Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s urban redevelopment initiative, created by architecture firm Francis Caufmann. Biotrial will join other biomedical organizations and five universities in the Science Park. Francis Cauffman completed the master plan for Biotrial and expects to break ground on Phase 1 in spring 2013. The first phase will consist of a five-story, 70,000-square-foot building. Biotrial expects to move into its headquarters in early 2014. If a second phase of the project is approved by the city, the firm ‘s footprint will span an entire city block and include another building with a public plaza.

Newark, New Jersey has been designed an Urban Enterprise Zone, making businesses eligible for tax incentives and hiring grants.