When Mollie Schubert enrolled at Iowa State University, she wasn’t sure where her path would lead—until a friendly influence nudged her toward the lab bench.
“I was undeclared when I started college,” Mollie recalls. “My roommate was studying biochemistry, and I thought, why not give it a shot? I took a few classes with her and just fell in love with it. I declared my major the very next semester and never looked back. It was very fortuitous.”
With both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biochemistry in hand, Mollie didn’t have to look far to launch her career. A recommendation led her to Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), a local company and Danaher business doing exciting work in molecular genetics. She started in the R&D molecular genetics team and hasn’t looked back.
“IDT was actually my first job out of grad school,” she says. “I’ve enjoyed working here so much, I’ve simply stuck with it.”
Only a few years into her career, Mollie’s timing aligned perfectly with the rise of CRISPR technology for use in human cells for gene editing. In fact, she was in the room when IDT’s leadership first introduced it.
“Our CSO came into a lab meeting and said, ‘Have you heard about this new CRISPR thing?’” she remembers. “It requires guide RNAs—we make RNA. It seems like a natural fit for the company.”
She spent the next nine years helping build IDT’s CRISPR portfolio from the ground up.
What is CRISPR?
CRISPR is a system discovered in bacteria which scientists have harnessed for applications such as gene editing in other cell types. It consists of a guide RNA and Cas protein which work together to find and target a specific DNA sequence and create a cut in the DNA, like molecular scissors.
Using CRISPR, scientists can knock out a gene or insert new DNA sequences to correct or change the target DNA sequence. By enabling scientists to make these genomic changes, CRISPR can been used to better understand complex biological systems, model disease to enable research, and even treat disease in humans through targeted therapies.
Fueling scientific breakthroughs
Last December, she moved to her current role as Senior Innovation Product Manager for CRISPR and Genomic Medicine. Mollie partners closely with IDT’s R&D team to drive strategy, design product roadmaps and shape the gene writing and editing business—including synthetic biology, functional genomics and CRISPR technologies.
Her work also brings her face-to-face with customers through alpha and beta testing, customer insight calls and conferences—often in cool places (like Lithuania). What fuels her most is knowing the real-world impact of her contributions.
“One of the most exciting areas we’ve seen explode is therapeutic development,” she explains. “Scientists are working to correct genetic changes and actually cure disease.”
She highlights a recent breakthrough in which IDT collaborated with Aldevron (another Danaher business) to successfully manufacture the world’s first mRNA-based personalized CRISPR gene editing therapy for a baby with a rare and life-threatening metabolic disorder. Six months post-treatment, the child was thriving.
This joint achievement by two Danaher businesses made global news and marked an industry milestone, demonstrating how the U.S. continues to lead the way in mRNA gene editing therapies to improve human health for all. The outcome was featured in a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine and provides proof of concept for the potential of safe and effective, personalized CRISPR therapy in the future.
“To see a technology that I helped develop over a decade ago now curing disease—it’s surreal,” she says. “That definitely tops my list of career highlights.”
Shaping strategy while staying nimble
Mollie’s current role spans tactical execution and long-term strategy: half her time is spent driving product development forward, the other half scanning the horizon for what’s next.
“I’m very open to improving or changing the way we’re doing things,” she says. “We can’t just rest on our laurels—we have to constantly increase efficiency and move faster toward our goals.”
She credits the Danaher Business System (DBS) for helping her adapt through transitions, whether it’s leadership shifts or evolving priorities.
“I’ve learned to be flexible and nimble and not too stuck in my ways,” she says. “That’s helped me overcome challenges and grow.”
From contributor to team leader
Recently, Mollie took the next step in her career journey—moving into leadership and building a team.
“Within the last year, I moved from an individual contributor role to a people leader,” she shares. “I have one direct report now and am currently hiring a second. Over the next few years, I’m excited to grow my team and increase my responsibilities”.
She describes her journey with a sense of shared purpose—and she loves the long-term camaraderie she’s created with her colleagues.
“I’ve worked with some people for more than a decade,” she shares. “Many of us started in one place and have evolved into new roles. Staying connected in light of the evolution has been really fun.”
What does it take to thrive and succeed at Danaher?
“People who are willing to do the work—who raise their hand when someone asks who can take on a challenge—those are the ones I see succeeding,” she shares.
Her advice for future candidates? Stay curious, stay creative.
“There’s a lot of rigor at Danaher businesses and strong systems that support quality,” she adds. “Leverage those tools—but don’t get bogged down. Keep thinking creatively about new ways to drive success.”
“To see a technology that I helped develop over a decade ago now curing disease—it’s surreal. That definitely tops my list of career highlights.”
Mollie Schubert
Sr. Innovation Product Manager, Gene Writing and Editing
IDT
Life beyond the lab
When she’s not advancing CRISPR or coaching her team, Mollie finds joy in the natural world—indoors and out.
“I have two big dogs—Jackson and Rosie—that keep me busy,” she says. “I love long walks, hiking, camping—anything outside.”
Recently, she’s also developed an interest in gardening at home.
“I became obsessed with indoor plants,” she says. “I do not have a green thumb, so it’s been a fun challenge. But it’s incredibly satisfying when you get something to grow.”
Whether nurturing plants or guiding a team, Mollie brings a grounded sense of purpose and openness to every part of her life and career. Her story is proof that growth—in every form—is possible when rooted in collaboration and driven by curiosity.
Take your next step
Explore the links below to start your career journey with Danaher today.
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