Applying ddPCR to Characterize Starting Materials for Advanced CAR-T Cell Therapies

Russell Goetze, PhD

Scientist II ‑ Bluebird Bio

As part of the gene therapy revolution at bluebird bio, Russell is blending his expertise in biochemistry and molecular virology with QC and drug development experience to recode the way we develop genetic medicine. At bluebird, he has supported efforts ranging from late-stage vector platform analytics to the development of novel assays for the next generation of CAR‑T therapies.

Russell earned his PhD from Emory University in 2017 where his research focused on discovering and characterizing cellular factors that restrict HIV replication. He established a CRISPR platform within the lab to validate the role of DNA repair enzymes and innate immune sensors in viral transduction of cells critical to HIV persistence.

Before pursuing his graduate degree, Russell was part of a lean and dynamic Quality Control & Analytical Development team at Synageva Biopharma where he validated and executed a wide panel of assays that supported the successful development of Kanuma for lysosomal acid lipase deficiency.