This morning, medical research company EMD Serono Inc. celebrated the opening of its new 140,000-square-foot research center in Billerica.

The Billerica facility will accommodate more than 115,000 square feet of lab and office space, consisting of 25,000 square feet of chemistry and screening labs; 25,000 square feet of biology and cell culture labs; 22,000 square feet of general lab support space; 20,000 square feet of office and conference rooms and 23,000 square feet of mechanical space. The $65 million project will create nearly 100 new jobs, according to a statement.

"This research expansion represents EMD Serono’s clear purpose of scientific and medical innovation, and solidifies the company’s presence in Massachusetts as a leading, global organization in the life sciences industry," said Fereydoun Firouz, president and CEO of EMD Serono. "We are focused on retaining and attracting the best scientists to develop therapies that provide value and breakthrough solutions to people living with serious medical conditions such as fertility disorders, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases."

EMD Serono is working toward LEED Gold certification at the Billerica facility within the following categories: indoor environment quality, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, and materials and resources, according to a statement.

The architect on the research facility was Ellenzweig; the construction manager was Jones Lang LaSalle; the mechanical engineers were BR+A LLC Consulting Engineers; the civil engineers were BSC Group and the geotechnical engineers were GEI Consultants.