After completing a PhD in X-ray surface diffraction and a MPhys degree in Physics at the University of Leicester, Simon joined Diamond full-time in Sept 2003 (he had earlier worked part-time for Diamond since 2002). Initially he provided scientific support to the Science Directors, before joining the Optics & Metrology group in 2005. He has since helped to design, build, and equip the Optics & Metrology cleanroom for characterising X-ray optics. In 2011, he also played a major role in designing and equiping the Precision Metrology Lab to test motorised stage used to rotate and translate important beamline components including X-ray optics, samples, and detectors.