BAM Construction has been appointed to build the University of Exeter's new £50m Living Systems Institute research centre.
The firm already has offices in the city and has said it will use a predominately local supply chain to deliver the £32m construction project.
BAM has been awarded the contract after a re-tendering process. In January, the university announced an amicable split with its original contractor Wates Construction after protracted discussions failed to find a way to deliver the scheme within budget.
The Living Systems centre will bring together mathematicians, scientists and engineers in a bid to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of human, animal and plant diseases.
It will consist of two linked buildings on a split level site, with a tower block nine storeys high and a slab block reaching six storeys, three storeys being basement levels with excavations and temporary works.
The contractor will also oversee the fit out of the centre, including laboratories and complex services.
A combined heat and power plant will allow the centre to create its own energy.
BAM construction director Graham Kingdon said: "We have worked hard over a number of years to create our supply chain in the South West.
"We now have a number of trusted, quality companies we can ask to price work for us.
"This allows us to find the best suppliers at the best prices and ensure we can deliver world class facilities in Devon and Cornwall even at times of economic hardship.
"We are delighted to be building the Living Systems Institute for the University of Exeter."
