CRO Premier Research plans to create a new operations center in Durham, N.C., expanding its presence at Research Triangle Park with the addition of 260 jobs over the next five years.

The company will invest more than $4.1 million through 2020 to create the new facility, staffed by project managers, clinical monitors, data managers and others who will support customers throughout North America.

“Access to first-rate talent, the ability to work with highly innovative companies and superb higher education resources drew us to Research Triangle Park, and the area continues to impress us as a great place to do business,” said Dr. Ludo Reynders, chief executive officer of Premier Research. “This will greatly increase our footprint in a community that is a vital center of the medical research industry.”

North Carolina has pledged up to $2.58 million in incentives through its Job Development Investment Grant program, which reimburses companies for costs associated with job creation.