CBB Operator Working in the Lab
Carl Ross named Director of Development
Carl Ross, a veteran biomanufacturing leader with more than 25 years of experience bridging academic discovery and industry application, has been named the director of development for the Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB), the University of Iowa’s hub for biotechnology impacting education, basic research, and technology transfer in the biosciences. A core facility of the Office of the Vice President for Research, the CBB offers microbial fermentation, recombinant protein expression, and downstream protein purification services for a wide variety of clients, including international corporations, early-stage start-up companies, and University research groups.
As a principal leader within the CBB, Carl will focus on developing new sources of revenues for its biomanufacturing business while also working with the CBB’s leadership team to expand opportunities for students and faculty within the biotechnology space.
Ross most recently served as the Senior Director of Operations for Therapeutic Gene Editing at Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) in Coralville, Iowa. In this role, he led operations for a genomic medicine contract manufacturing organization that supplies CRISPR nucleic acids and proteins. He previously served as Managing Director for Waisman Biomanufacturing, a University of Wisconsin contract manufacturing organization accelerating scientific advances into clinical trials.
"Carl brings an unparalleled depth of experience in translating complex academic research into impactful industrial and clinical applications," said Aliasger Salem, associate vice president for research and Lyle and Sharon Bighley Endowed Chair and professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences. "His proven record of expanding client bases, navigating global regulatory landscapes, and leading high-impact manufacturing facilities makes him the ideal leader to advance the CBB’s mission of fostering innovation and university-industry partnerships".
During his time at IDT, Ross successfully launched U.S. and EMEA GMP operations within his first year and led the manufacturing of a first-in-class gene therapy used to treat urea cycle deficiency. He also initiated significant facility expansions and developed 10-year strategic plans to drive operational efficiency.
Ross holds a Master of Science in Project Management from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He earned certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), as well as Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC-US).
Welcome to CBB
The Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB) is a microbial biomanufacturing and research facility that bridges the gap between laboratory discovery and commercial-scale bioprocessing solutions. Located at the University of Iowa, CBB offers microbial fermentation, recombinant protein expression, and downstream protein purification services for a wide variety of clients, including international corporations and early-stage start-up companies. For clients interested in clinical applications, a cGMP suite is available to manufacture of proteins under the quality standards defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for Phase 1 clinical trials.
By combining the technical capabilities of a university-based pilot-scale CDMO with the expertise of affiliated faculty and researchers, the CBB serves as a trusted partner to biotech startups, vendors for the life science community, pharmaceutical companies, and academic innovators. Our facility supports innovation across multiple sectors, supporting the development and scale-up of protein-based therapeutics, specialty enzymes, reagent proteins, and other next-generation biologics. In addition, CBB plays a key role in bioprocessing workforce development through graduate training and NIH-funded biomanufacturing fellowships, thereby helping to shape the future of the biotech and life sciences industries.
We Work with a Wide Range of Clients across the Biotech, Life Sciences, and Pharmaceutical Spaces
We welcome clients from diverse industry sectors, including biotech startups seeking scalable biomanufacturing, academic research laboratories advancing translational science, life science vendors supporting basic and applied research worldwide, as well as large multinational pharmaceutical manufacturers and government agencies involved in drug development and public health initiatives. Our services are accessible to clients regardless of geographic location, ensuring professional support for protein production, purification, and bioprocess development.
How to Start a Service with CBB?
We’re here to support your project every step of the way. Getting started with the Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB) is simple. Clients can request services by completing our Client Request Form online. After submitting the form, a CBB representative will contact you within 2-3 business days to confirm your request and to schedule an initial consultation.
During this initial consultation, your project requirements will be discussed in a non-confidential manner. CBB will then evaluate whether our facility can meet your specific needs. If so, a Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA) template will be provided for your consideration. In parallel, we will share a ballpark estimate of the costs for your project.
Upon execution of the CDA, a more in-depth discussion will be used to provide a more accurate assessment of the costs for CBB’s bioprocessing services. Services can begin once a Master Service Agreement is in place and a Project Ordered is created specifically tailored toward your bioprocessing needs.
Our team will be with you through every step to ensure a smooth and compliant bioprocessing experience.
Bioprocessing Services
Fermentation, protein purification, & cGMP production for Phase-1 clinical trials
Academic Opportunities
Predoctoral Iowa Biotech Fellowship, CBB & NIH fellowships available
Annual Conference
The CBB hosts an annual conference focusing on innovations in the biocatalytic sciences.
"I worked for CBB since they first started with fermentation in their present location! I had previous experiences running 2000 liter fermenters at Solvay Animal Health. I really enjoyed watching the fermenters being delivered and set up. I worked closely with B. Braun company getting them up and running. The team came together over the next couple years. They have all become very experienced operators in the upstream and downstream processing! Everyone works well together and produces high quality product! I have since retired and miss my coworkers."
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