Australia's CSL hits 1-1/2-month peak on plans to trim R&D division

** Shares of CSL CSL rise as much as 3.1% to A$249.17, hitting its highest level since May 30

** Stock marks largest intraday pct. gain since mid May

** Biotech giant says it plans to trim its research and development division across six global locations

** Co to also rely more on external partnerships, eyeing a reduction of its internal workforce

** CSL did not provide details on the job reductions in its emailed statement to Reuters

** We are streamlining the R&D organisation to foster collaboration, reduce duplication and improve efficiencies and we are simplifying our operating model - CSL spokesperson

** Co's statement comes a day after the Australian Financial Review reported CSL may cut around one-third of its 2,500 R&D staff

** Stock down 11.8% YTD, including the day's moves