Learn what drives the simAbs team
Mission
Our mission is to support biopharmaceutical companies in the development and manufacturing of cost-effective therapeutic biologics, and to set a new standard in biopharmaceutical manufacturing technology that enables personalized medicine to become a reality.
Vision
Our vision is to continue to function as a Center of Excellence for the cost-effective biomanufacturing of biologics, to support the evolution of biopharmaceuticals into targeted therapies, and to motivate pharmaceutical companies to develop more innovative products.
As an organization we offer transparency, honest and open communication, and a flexible approach. Most importantly, we provide a personalized approach both to our clients and to the end patient.
Koen Dierckx
CEO, Co-Founder
Koen has over 20 years of experience in R&D, pharmaceutical operations and project management. He has an executive MBA and holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and Biochemistry from the University of Leuven. He has worked for Genzyme, a Sanofi company, where he held several positions in biopharmaceutical operations. He successfully helped the transfer of two production processes and defending the regulatory filing for the EMA and FDA. He is the founder of Pilot Biologix, a biotechnology company that is investing in valorization, technology transfer and scale up of research results in biotechnology.
Bram Keymolen
QP, Co-Founder
Bram has a degree in Industrial Pharmacy and is the Qualified Person within simAbs. He has experience in Quality Management and has supported several projects for GMP licensing of manufacturing facilities. Together with Gunther Coenen, he founded Eye-Tec in 2011. Established as a Visual Inspection consultancy firm, Eye-Tec developed a unique service to healthcare industries by combining experience in both compliance and technical aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Tom Lokermans
CFO, Co-Founder
Tom has a Master’s in Applied Economics from KU Leuven and completed the Executive Masterclass in Corporate Finance from Vlerick Business School. In addition to being our CFO, he is also the CFO of consultancy company Quality by Design, which was selected in 2020 by Deloitte as one of the “Best Managed Companies”.
Joachim Vandeput
Co-Founder
Joachim is currently the Team Leader for the Construction Management and Commissioning department within SWECO Industry. He has previous experience as a project manager in the Life Sciences sector for clients such as GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, Novartis and JSR Micro. He has in depth experience in various areas of Life Science production facilities, including construction management, commissioning and qualification. Joachim has a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Leuven and a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University College Group T.
Bart van Acker
Co-Founder
Bart is a bioengineer and the founder of consultancy company Quality by Design. They were founded in 2011 and grew very quickly to become the Belgian reference in consultancy for the Life Sciences industry (pharma, biotechnology, medical devices, cosmetics, healthcare). Today the company employs more than 300 people and is also active in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Mexico and Colombia. In 2019 Bart was elected Flemish Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Thomas Geuens
Chief Technology Officer
Thomas is currently serving as Chief Technology Officer at simAbs and drives the development of ground breaking bio-manufacturing platforms to deliver cost-effective therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for biopharmaceutical companies. With deep expertise in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, his career spans academic research, international collaborations, and industrial innovation. His doctoral research performed at the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) focused on neurogenetics and protein characterization, laying the foundation for a robust understanding of molecular biology and bioprocessing techniques. Previously, as a postdoctoral researcher at the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University, he contributed to a dynamic international consortium bridging academia and industry to achieve translational outcomes in regenerative medicine. Thomas is passionate about leading teams, fostering innovation, and building scalable manufacturing solutions that accelerate the delivery of life-changing therapeutics to patients worldwide.
Elien Wouters
Senior Process Engineer
Elien obtained her PhD in biomedical sciences at Hasselt University. There, she focused on the role of innate immune cells in autoimmune disorders. After her PhD, she began her career in industry as a project manager at Nelson Labs. As Upstream Process Development Engineer at simAbs, she is involved in cell line engineering and the optimization of upstream processes in shaker flasks and bench-scale bioreactors.
Ajay Godora
Director Business Development
Ajay Godara holds a degree in engineering and has built a career at the intersection of technology, operations, and commercial strategy. Over the past years, he has worked in global roles spanning business development, procurement, and supply chain management, where he led cross-functional teams and managed projects across Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, and India.
With a strong foundation in both technical and business disciplines, Ajay has successfully driven partnerships, optimized production and sourcing networks, and implemented sustainable growth strategies for multinational organizations. His experience covers the full product lifecycle — from concept and design to market introduction — giving him a comprehensive understanding of how innovation, efficiency, and collaboration create value.
As Business Development Director at SimAbs, Ajay applies his strategic mindset and global perspective to strengthen partnerships and expand the company’s reach in biologics and antibody manufacturing. His ability to connect scientific innovation with market needs makes him an ideal bridge between SimAbs’ technological excellence and its customers worldwide.
Shahbaz Bashir
Senior Process Engineer
Shahbaz is a bioscience engineer specializing in biologics manufacturing. He obtained his PhD in Bioscience Engineering from KU Leuven, where his research focused on the isolation and characterization of novel antibody binders against viral targets, contributing to the development of targeted biologics. Following his doctorate, he completed an industrial postdoctoral position at KU Leuven, working at the interface of academia and industry. At simAbs, he focuses on the development of continuous manufacturing platforms for biologics, with a particular emphasis on downstream processing. He is involved in designing and optimizing integrated, continuous purification systems to enhance efficiency, scalability, and product quality in modern biomanufacturing.
Joppe Hermans
Manufacturing Lead
Joppe Hermans is the Manufacturing Lead at simAbs, where he leads day‑to‑day GMP manufacturing activities within the company’s GMP site. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, specializing in Cell and Gene Technology, and completed an Erasmus research placement in Norway at INN. Joppe brings hands-on experience across GMP manufacturing environments, having previously worked at Lonza’s ATMP site in Geleen, Medace, and ExoXpert in roles such as Biotech Associate and GMP Production Specialist. His background combines strong scientific foundations with practical expertise in advanced manufacturing and GMP operations, supporting simAbs’ mission to deliver high‑quality, flexible, and cost‑effective biologics manufacturing.
Marijn Bollema
QC Engineer
Marijn obtained a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at Hogeschool Zuyd in Heerlen. He began his career at PharmaCell in Maastricht joining as a Biotech Associate performing aseptic fillings in a grade B environment. When an opportunity arose, Marijn joints the QC team setting up the QC department (including cellular assays using e.g., flow-cytometry, safety testing, stability testing, tech transfer projects and helping within R&D projects). As GMP became a second nature he decided to broaden his wings and join MSD in Oss within the microbiological validation group. But the urge to work for a start-up company grew and he started working for CiMaas in Maastricht as a process development & research associate combined with a QA function, implementing a QMS system which was well received by the IgJ. As a QC Lab engineer at SimAbs, he is helping to set up the QC lab and tech transfer activities with great enthusiasm were all his previous experience help him using his full potential.
Amelie Verboven
QC Engineer
Amelie obtained her Master’s degree in Drug Development (Pharmaceutical Sciences) at KU Leuven University. She began her professional career as a Life Sciences Consultant, working as a Laboratory LC Analyst at Johnson & Johnson, where she developed expertise in GMP guidelines, laboratory analyses, and (high-priority) protein projects. At SimAbs, she is part of the Quality team as a QC Engineer, applying her quality and practical expertise.
Kenneth Segers
Senior Process Engineer
Kenneth obtained his PhD in Biochemistry at the Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM). During his PhD project, he combined biochemistry and molecular biology techniques with structural bioinformatics to investigate the molecular structure and function of human blood coagulation factor V. After his PhD, he started a post-doc at the Rega Institute for Medical Research (KU Leuven). There, he worked on the development of (high-throughput) screening assays to identify antibacterials targeting bacterial protein secretion. During a second post-doc at Johnson & Johnson, he developed a cell-free expression system for membrane proteins and other types of proteins that are difficult to produce in cell-based expression systems. Previously, Kenneth worked at Sanofi as a downstream process engineer where he supported the tech transfer of various therapeutic mAbs. In his current role as senior process engineer, he is engaged in the further development of simAbs’ continuous manufacturing platform for the production of biotherapeutics.
Dimitri Stevens
Project Manager Tech transfer
Dimi holds a Master’s degree in Biology with a specialization in Biochemistry from the University of Antwerp. With over 20 years of experience in GMP and cell culture-based products, he has held key positions at TiGenix, Lonza, and ExoBiologics, focusing on production, process development, and tech transfer. Currently, as a Project Manager, Dimi manages the tech transfer of new projects.
Anton Walbers
Business Development Manager
Anton Walbers holds a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science (KU Leuven) and a Post-Graduate certification in Manual Therapy and Management Essentials. He combines a strong scientific and analytical background with a solid understanding of business development and strategic management. With experience across healthcare, biotechnology, and biomanufacturing sectors, Anton has developed a deep understanding of how innovation, collaboration, and operational efficiency drive growth. As Business Development Manager at SimAbs, he focuses on building partnerships, supporting clients, and connecting SimAbs’ continuous manufacturing expertise with organizations developing monoclonal antibodies and other biologics. His multidisciplinary mindset and people-oriented approach make him a valuable contributor to SimAbs’ global growth and client success.
Dorien Ceusters
Manufacturing Associate
Dorien Ceusters is a Manufacturing Associate at simAbs, where she supports the GMP manufacturing activities within the production team. She holds a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, with a specialization in Quality Management. She brings vast experience in quality, both from previous roles and within simAbs, giving her a solid understanding of GMP standards and quality requirements. At simAbs, she has transitioned into the production team, where she expands her expertise in manufacturing operations. Her background allows her to approach production with a strong quality mindset, contributing to the consistent and reliable execution of manufacturing processes in line with GMP requirements.
Leentje Swinnen
Head of Quality
Leentje Swinnen holds a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and brings a rare blend of calm confidence, deep curiosity, and purpose-driven leadership to her role.
With extensive experience gained at Clinisys, Ugentec, Lonza, PharmaCell, and TiGenix, she has built a strong track record in implementing and managing quality systems within complex biomanufacturing environments.
In her leadership capacity, Leentje is responsible for defining and executing quality initiatives that ensure the company’s products, services, and processes not only meet the highest industry and regulatory standards but also continuously improve.
Tannaz Norizadeh
Analytical Development Specialist
Tannaz obtained her PhD in Life sciences focused on Cellular and Molecular Biology from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), where she investigated skeletal muscle regeneration using in vivo models and advanced cellular and molecular biology techniques. Following her PhD, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), focusing on mitochondrial bioenergetics in C. elegans, before moving into industry where she held leadership roles in cell line development, establishing Master Cell Banks, implementing serum-free processes, and collaborating closely with QC teams. Prior to joining SimAbs, she worked as a Lead Scientist at Flyblast, where she designed genetic constructs, developed in-house workflows, and led scientific projects and junior scientists, contributing to improved efficiency and high protein yields. She is currently an Analytical Development Specialist at SimAbs, supporting analytical method development and testing to ensure the quality and consistency of biologic products.
Karen Schouteden
QA Engineer
Karen holds a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering with a specialization in Biochemistry from the UHasselt. She brings over a decade of experience from Symeres (Weert), where she contributed to the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). After building an extensive career at Symeres as an expert in NMR and analytical R&D, she transitioned into Quality Assurance—a field where her analytical mindset and eye for detail perfectly align. As a Quality Assurance Engineer at simAbs, Karen is dedicated to safeguarding the continuity of the production process. By managing and improving the Integrated Management System, she ensures that quality and patient safety remain at the heart of everything we do.
Hanne Maher
Process Engineer USP
Hanne obtained her Master in Biomedical Science at the Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LEO), KU Leuven. During her master’s project, she established and characterized various synovial sarcoma models. Predominantly working with primary cells and organoids, she gained/developed most of her experience in cell culture. At SimAbs, she will be working as a junior cell line and upstream development engineer. Here, she will be working on the development and characterization of cell lines for the production of biosimilars and other biologics.
Dennis Koruk
QC Engineer
Dennis obtained his Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from KU Leuven, where he specialized in molecular and cellular biology and conducted research on PP2A variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. At SimAbs, He is working as a QC Engineer, where he focuses on quality control activities, supporting the monitoring and evaluation of processes and products to ensure they meet internal and regulatory quality standards.
We are located in BioVille, Belgium
Opened in 2010, BioVille is a hub for start-ups and growing companies in the life sciences. Their goal is to assist starting and growing health & care companies by offering them flexible spaces and customized support services. In addition, BioVille was part of the Limburg ambition to make life sciences one of the key sectors in the region. Currently, more than 30 companies and more than 120 colleagues are based at BioVille. The focus is mainly on health & care, biotech, medtech and digital health.
Careers
SimAbs currently has no open positions.
Stay tuned for future opportunities, and follow us on LinkedIn.
Quality Control Lab Engineer
We are SIMABS SIMABS is a biotechnology venture that provides cost effective therapeutic monoclonal antibodies to biopharmaceutical companies. We are hiring a Process Operator who has a startup vibe to
simAbs is a start-up biotechnology venture that is developing a new bio-manufacturing platform to provide cost-effective therapeutic biologics at small scale to biopharmaceutical companies. This technology will enable personalized medicine to become an affordable reality.
Our values are: keep it simple & smart (KISS), innovate the process and last but not least, enjoy the flow.
Be part of our mission and set the new standard in biopharmaceutical manufacturing technology that enables personalized medicine to become a reality.
Location
Diepenbeek, BE
Job content
As our Automation Engineer, you are passionate in building mechanical systems and automating them. You are responsible for the system design and engineering in our plant to develop an innovative and cost-effective production platform for mammalian single-use cell culture and purification. You apply technical knowledge by providing automation solutions for the life science process equipment involved: work process, unit operations, operating conditions, or process technology improvements.
Responsibilities
- Procure, install, test, calibrate and maintain operating equipment in order to develop a robust and cost-efficient production platform, in close collaboration with our process development engineers
- Develop, program and configure automation structure to ensure a smooth and reliable process
- Lead technical troubleshooting and implement actions to avoid recurrence
- Ensure data integrity on all equipment
- Responsible for equipment software, network, accounts, as well as data processing
- Identify technical issues and implement creative solutions
- Ensure high quality documentation
- Follow up on the latest technical insights in your field of expertise
- Technical assistance for our USP and DSP Engineer
- Engage in a broad range of activities in order to grow simAbs into a strong and reliable partner for future clients
Education
Master of science in an industrial sciences (automation, electronics, electromechanics, biochemistry, etc.) or
Degree in bioengineering, combined with a strong technical and automation background
Competences
Technical skills:
- Broad technical knowledge of process equipment and operating equipment
- Siemens PCS7 and/or DeltaV
- PLC
- 21cfr part11
- Able to read and use electrical and technical drawings
- Experience in life science industry
- Experience with single-use process equipment
Soft skills:
- Entrepreneurial with strong intrinsic motivation and ownership
- Hands-on, well organized and result-oriented team player
- Enjoying the start-up flow of our organization
- Strong and honest communicator
- Flexible both in content and time
Interested?
Do you want to share our passion in enabling personalized medicine to become an affordable reality?
Apply by sending your cv to jobs@simabs.com