February 21, 2025
Over the past decade, CRISPR has taken life sciences and the biomedical world by storm for its ability to easily and precisely edit DNA. Today at Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) (a Danaher company), Bahri Karacay, PhD, Sr. Manager, Product Marketing Gene Writing and Editing, applies himself to advancing this innovative technology, both for research and therapeutic applications. Not only is this work his passion, it’s also his way of helping Danaher innovate at the speed of life.
Originally from Türkiye, I came to the US for graduate school. I received my PhD from The Ohio State University and did part of my postdoctoral work at Nationwide Children’s Research Institute in Columbus. After my lab moved, I completed my postdoctoral work at the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine. I continued after finishing my postdoc as a research scientist in its Child Neurology Division.
As a research professor at the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine and a long-standing customer of IDT, I knew IDT and its solutions very well. I was always curious about working in the life sciences industry, so when I was ready to make the switch from academia to industry, IDT was the first logical place to start.
Currently, I lead a product marketing team for the Gene Writing and Editing product portfolio. That includes CRISPR genome editing products and services, both for research and therapeutic applications, as well as gene regulation and synthetic biology products that are mainly for research applications. In simplest terms, we empower scientists to rewrite the code of life through strategic marketing, data-driven insights, and engaging educational content.
My day-to-day work is dynamic, revolving around strategy, collaboration and execution. I develop marketing strategies and tactics to drive the success of our portfolio, focusing on customer-centric messaging and market trends. Leading a talented team, I provide guidance and support on various projects. Additionally, I serve on cross-functional teams to bring innovative products and services to market.
Since last year, I’ve also enjoyed supporting cross-company initiatives between IDT and Aldevron, another Danaher business. Together, we work towards delivering impactful solutions for customers in the cell and gene therapy space, including Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) manufacturing and Research Use Only (RUO)-to-CGMP workflows. My work is a blend of strategic thinking, creativity, science, and teamwork—making every day exciting and fulfilling.
One of the most memorable moments was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for IDT’s state-of-the-art therapeutic oligonucleotide manufacturing (TOM) facility in October 2023. This marked a major milestone for IDT, as it represented our entry into therapeutic space. Until then, we had primarily supported our customers in the discovery phase of their research. With the opening of the TOM facility, we now offer a comprehensive end-to-end workflow solution—from bench to bedside.
This achievement was particularly meaningful to me as a former scientist with firsthand experience in gene therapy. I had conducted research focused on developing therapies for two devastating conditions: neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer of the nervous system typically diagnosed before age five, and Alexander Disease, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder that most commonly strikes in the first decade of life.
CRISPR technology has already revolutionized scientific research, and its impact is now transforming medicine as well. With the first CRISPR-based therapies having been approved in December 2024 both in Europe and the United States, we are witnessing the rapid evolution of the technology from research tool to life-saving treatment modality. From groundbreaking cancer treatments to innovative therapies for genetic diseases, CRISPR’s potential seems limitless.
Though I am no longer directly involved in gene therapy research, I feel as though I am still walking side by side with the scientists who are striving for the same life-changing goals. Developing gene therapies for diseases was my passion and purpose, and now, with CRISPR genome editing making that dream a reality, I am proud to continue contributing by enabling scientists with IDT products and resources.
I’m the founder and lead singer of TURKANA, a band comprised of Turkish and American musicians performing Turkish folk and pop music. I’m also a popular science writer, podcaster and the author of two bestsellers: “The Secret of Life DNA” and “Happy Brain”. My favorite pastime activities are making music and skiing.
IDT and other Danaher life sciences companies are great places to work for anyone passionate about advancing science and human health. With Danaher’s promise of ‘innovation at the speed of life’ and IDT’s focus on ‘Accelerating the pace of genomics,’ we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Initiatives like the IGI Beacon Program, which aims to expand access to CRISPR technologies, and partnerships that improve genome-editing precision, highlight our impact on global challenges. Associates at IDT or other Danaher life sciences companies benefit from cutting-edge tools, a collaborative culture, and opportunities to grow professionally, making it an ideal environment for those driven to shape the future of science and health. I’ve seen the work we do here and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of it.