Felix Goh Awah

Experienced Bioprocess Engineer | R&D Scientist | Clinical Research Scientist with 8+ years of Clinical trials, and Research & Development experience in pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies. 

Areas of Expertise:

- Process Validation: design and optimization of products and processes.
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) requirements.
- International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines.
- Canadian, US, and European GxP requirements (cGMP, GLP, GDP, GRP & GSP)
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
- Clinical Studies
- Fermentation
- Formulation

Felix is an epistemophile and a philonoist who loves to explore production, delivery, and quality management systems; introduces improvements; and effectively communicates with stakeholders and colleagues in multi-disciplinary teams. 

Key Strengths

- Strong ability to quickly navigate various levels of an organization.
- Easily adapts within diverse sectors of any organization. 
- High analytical and synthesis skills oriented towards achieving objectives. 
- Good priority management skills. 
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills in English and French

Felix loves to continually explore opportunities that create value-added products and services for the healthcare (pharma/biotech) sectors. He also has a solid proclivity to immerse himself in a more global thinking environment to acquire invaluable skills necessary to satisfy his keen interest in entrepreneurship, consulting, investment banking, and alternative investment management.

CAPCIUM INC (Pharma, Nutra & Cannabis) | R&D SCIENTIST | Montreal, CANADA               July 2019 - Present

• Designing and optimizing pharmaceutical, nutraceutical & over-the-counter (including cannabis) softgel products and processes.
  • Conceptualize, characterize, and optimize products and processes.
• Directly in charge of pre-formulation (bench scale), formulation development & optimization, Design of Experiments (DoE’s), tech transfer, process & product development, process validation, and integrated end-to-end clinical to commercial stage development.

Key achievements:

• Joined Capcium as the first R&D Scientist to assist with pharmaceutical expansion. Despite the dearth of formal training programs, I quickly grasped difficult concepts within weeks to become an indispensable member of the R&D department.
• As the only R&D Scientist in the company, it was extremely challenging due to a paucity of established systems and structures. Nonetheless, I played critical roles in process & product development, process validation, chemicals & equipment procurement, and setting up new Standard Operating Procedures and a state-of-the-art softgel R&D facility.
• Trained and guided four R&D Scientists. Today, Capcium has a qualified team of four Scientists, and Associate Scientists who have successfully carried out five tech transfers, Health Canada and FDA audits, and validations, four CBE 30 and PAS submissions, and launched three pharmaceutical softgel products into the international markets, including the United States. 

BIENA INC (Biotech) | PROCESS SUPERVISOR (TECH TRANSFER) | Saint Hyacinthe, CANADA   2017 - 2019

• Oversaw tech transfer operations, while ensuring all procedures were completed appropriately and promptly.
  • Supervised tech transfers, commercial-scale productions, and all aspects of operations. 
  • Performed people management tasks including time sheet submissions, scheduling vacations, and performance evaluations.
  • Organized individual and ongoing training.

Key achievements:

• Initially employed as a Process Technician. Promoted to Process Supervisor within six months, due to my qualifications, determination, hard work, and eagerness to optimize processes, and improve efficiency and product quality. 
• Supervised and coached four employees, organized individual and ongoing training, and performed people management tasks such as time sheet submissions, scheduling vacations, and performance evaluations.
• My contribution led directly to a 15% increase in Biena’s production capacity, meeting its crucial production goals and targets.

McGILL UNIVERSITY(Part-Time) | RESEARCH & TEACHING ASSISTANT | Montreal, CANADA          2015 - 2017

• Conducted research on process design and optimization of bioreactors, lyophilizers (Freeze Dryers), and fluidized bed drying.
  • Statistically analyzed data sets, and prepared presentation slides, and graphs for reports.
• Prepared, monitored, and delivered laboratory experiments and teaching assistant (TA) lectures to undergraduate students.

FOOD & DRUGS AUTHORITY | CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE |Douala, CAMEROON         Oct 2011 – Oct 2013

• Was responsible for setting up, coordinating, and overseeing clinical studies to test new or existing investigational products using Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ICH guidelines.
  • Developed study procedures, methodology, and instructions for clinical trial staff and designed data collection tools (case report forms). Also collected, verified, and finalized collected data to create reports and presented results of findings to other medical staff.
  • Monitored the study to check whether it has been carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 
  • Ensured the safety and well-being of test subjects by liaising with ethics committees.

McGILL UNIVERSITY, MONTREAL, CANADA                                                                                                    2015 - 2017

Master of Science Applied (M.Sc.A.) in Bioresource (Bioprocess) Engineering (cumulative GPA: 3.92/4.00)

• Best graduating student in the program.
  • Scholarships & Awards: Graduate Excellence Award in Bioresource Engineering, McGill University Bursary for Outstanding Students, and Federal (Quebec) Bursary for International Students.
    • Relevant coursework included Simulation & Modelling, Instrumentation & Control, Food Fuel & Fibre, Fermentation Engineering, Spreadsheets & Models, Advanced Statistics, M.Sc. Seminars in Leadership, Risk Management, and Global Economy.

UNIVERSITY OF BUEA, Buea, CAMEROON                                                                                                       2008 - 2011

 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry

• Minor: Biomedical Laboratory Technology (MLT)
• Honors and Distinction (Top 1%)