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).