Simon Vandenbrande

Study Director Ecotoxicology

Switzerland

About

Experience

  • Study Director Ecotoxicology at IES Ltd - Innovative Environmental Services
    Sep 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

    Lead terrestrial and aquatic ecotoxicology programmes under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) for international agrochemical and chemical-industry clients, supporting environmental risk assessment and regulatory affairs activities. Manage the complete study lifecycle including protocol development, method development, budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, scientific oversight, data interpretation, reporting, and regulatory compliance. Act as primary scientific interface between clients, QA, laboratory operations, and regulatory stakeholders. Deliver studies according to OECD and ISO guidelines supporting EFSA, REACH, and US EPA submissions. Drive continuous improvement in laboratory operations, quality systems, scientific strategy, and study delivery through process optimisation and resource planning initiatives

  • Research and Development Scientist / Scientific Researcher at Syngenta
    Mar 2021 - Sep 2022 · 1 yr 7 mos

    Investigated insecticide mode of action, resistance mechanisms, and metabolism of novel crop protection compounds. Supported global insecticide resistance monitoring programmes. Performed molecular biology experiments including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, sequencing and data analysis. Participated in the early adoption and evaluation of Benchling as one of the first end users within the research organisation. Collaborated within international multidisciplinary R&D teams.

  • General Manager & Blender at Bokke
    Feb 2019 - Feb 2021 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Led fermentation R&D projects involving yeast and bacterial cultures. Applied microbiological principles to optimize fermentation processes and product consistency. Managed barrel maturation, blending strategies, warehouse logistics, and experimental vinification techniques.

  • Improvement Specialist/ Teeltspecialist at Koppert Biological Systems
    Mar 2018 - Jan 2019 · 11 mos

    Coordinated daily greenhouse-based production of beneficial arthropods for biological crop protection. Managed rearing programmes for multiple beneficial arthropod species used in biological crop protection. Developed predictive forecasting tools aligning production capacity with market demand. Led cross-functional improvement initiatives across production, quality, and R&D functions, applying scientific strategy, workforce planning, and operational excellence principles to optimise biological production processes. Designed and coordinated research programmes focused on improving rearing methodologies, production efficiency, and biological performance. Optimized production workflows and monitoring systems across greenhouse and climate-controlled environments.

  • Field manager, Research and Laboratory Scientist at NIOO-KNAW
    Feb 2016 - Feb 2018 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Managing field trials and greenhouse experiments. Research on soil microbiomes and their interaction on plants and herbivore pests. Extracting DNA and RNA from soils and building databases on bacterial and fungal presence. Research on how soils and their microbiomes can be steered (via inoculation, via plants) with the aim to get healthier plants and soils.