Ahmad Farhad
Valencia,CA
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic Senior Quality Control leader with extensive experience in GMP analytical laboratories, specializing in operational excellence within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Proven ability to build high-performing teams, ensure inspection readiness, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, compliance, and efficiency.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
QC Manager
CURIA GLOBAL
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Directed daily QC operations for a high-throughput sterile manufacturing CDMO, overseeing analytical chemistry, bioanalytical, microbiology, and stability laboratories supporting lot release and manufacturing.
- Led a multidisciplinary team of twelve QC and Microbiology scientists, fostering accountability, technical excellence, and a culture of GMP compliance.
- Coordinated laboratory priorities, staffing, customer commitments, investigations, and resource allocation to ensure adherence to GMP production timelines and compliance objectives.
Managing Partner
ATLAS BIOPHARMA CONSULTING LLC
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Partnered with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing processes, technology transfer, batch record review, and enterprise QMS implementation to improve compliance and operational efficiency.
- Directed FDA inspection readiness activities, Form 483 remediation, data integrity assessments, and quality system improvements while strengthening deviation investigations and CAPA effectiveness.
- Coached and mentored QC, QA, Manufacturing, and Technical Operations personnel on GMP requirements, root cause analysis, and risk-based decision making.
Director of Quality Control
BACHEM AMERICAS
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Built and led a GMP Quality Control Center of Excellence supporting global peptide manufacturing, directing 11 direct reports and 28 indirect reports across multi-site laboratory operations.
- Served as the primary QC representative during FDA inspections, customer audits, and regulatory interactions, leading inspection readiness activities and successfully addressing regulatory and client observations.
- Partnered with Manufacturing and QA to optimize production capacity, laboratory throughput, and operational performance while maintaining GMP compliance.
Manager, GMP Quality Control
XENCOR
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Directed GMP Quality Control laboratory operations for biologics manufacturing, analytical development, and clinical programs, leading a team of seven scientists to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
- Managed stability programs, reference standards, and GMP sample operations, ensuring seamless support for manufacturing, bioanalytical testing, and global CRO/CDMO partners.
- Reduced laboratory deviations by 25% through implementation of KPI-driven process improvements and compliance training.
Senior Associate Scientist (Laboratory Manager)
AMGEN INC.
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Directed daily GLP laboratory operations supporting preclinical toxicology and early clinical development across multiple sites, ensuring inspection readiness.
- Established strategic outsourcing partnerships and led analytical method transfer, qualification, and validation activities.
- Developed and implemented Amgen's first predictive safety biomarker program, integrating novel biomarker assays into GLP laboratory operations.
Validation Coordinator / Certifying Scientist
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Directed laboratory operations and quality initiatives for regulated clinical testing, overseeing analytical method lifecycle management and technology transfer.
- Led a team of nine scientists responsible for analytical method development, qualification, validation, and regulated clinical testing.
- Oversaw laboratory quality systems, ensuring compliance with deviations, CAPA, change control, and equipment lifecycle management.
Senior Quality Associate
MANNKIND CORPORATION
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Provided technical leadership supporting GMP Quality Control operations for peptide drug substance and drug product manufacturing by leading analytical and bioanalytical method development.
- Led investigations of QC and manufacturing deviations, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive manufacturing readiness, ensure regulatory compliance, and advance continuous improvement initiatives.
Consultant
VEOS PHARMACEUTICAL S.L.
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Managed GLP studies for pharmaceutical discovery and development, ensuring scientific integrity and protocol compliance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategic project plans and provide technical guidance.
- Analyzed client data to provide actionable insights for product development.
Consultant
ELITECH Group (A Bruker Company)
San Diego, California
05.2004 - 08.2004
- Optimized assay procedures, enhancing analytical performance of in vitro diagnostic platforms.
- Led method revalidation and change control initiatives with regulatory affairs to evaluate process changes on compliance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to boost project efficiency and drive timely outcomes.
Senior Research Associate (Molecular Epidemiology)
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Supervised preclinical research activities, analyzing complex scientific data and contributing to study design.
- Trained and mentored laboratory personnel, coordinating molecular biology workflows and clinical genetic testing.
- Managed CLIA certification process for clinical genetics laboratory, ensuring regulatory compliance.
Education
M.S. - Chemistry
American University
Washington, DCB.S. - Biochemistry
American University
Washington, DCSkills
Personal Information
Title: Quality Compliance Consultant
Certification
ASCP Certified Clinical Chemist (CC)
CORE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
QC Laboratory Operations | GMP Manufacturing Support | Stability Programs | Inspection Readiness | People Leadership | Performance Management | Resource Planning | Operational Excellence | Analytical Method Lifecycle Management | Technology Transfer | CAPA | OOS/OOT Investigations | Risk Management | Data Integrity (ALCOA+) | Regulatory Compliance | Cross-Functional Leadership.
Timeline
QC Manager
CURIA GLOBAL
01.2025 - 01.2026
Managing Partner
ATLAS BIOPHARMA CONSULTING LLC
01.2023 - 01.2025
Director of Quality Control
BACHEM AMERICAS
01.2022 - 01.2023
Manager, GMP Quality Control
XENCOR
01.2018 - 01.2022
Senior Associate Scientist (Laboratory Manager)
AMGEN INC.
01.2012 - 01.2017
Validation Coordinator / Certifying Scientist
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS
01.2009 - 01.2012
Senior Quality Associate
MANNKIND CORPORATION
01.2005 - 01.2009
Consultant
ELITECH Group (A Bruker Company)
05.2004 - 08.2004
Consultant
VEOS PHARMACEUTICAL S.L.
01.2004 - 01.2005
Senior Research Associate (Molecular Epidemiology)
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
01.1999 - 01.2004
M.S. - Chemistry
American University
B.S. - Biochemistry
American University