Simon has a BSc in Biochemistry from Hertiot-Watt University (Edinburgh) and a PhD from the University of East Anglia (Norwich). Simon studied for his PhD at the John Innes Centre in Norwich under the supervision of Prof. J. Allan Downie, investigating the role of calcium signalling during legume symbiosis. It was during this time that Simon first used a confocal microscope, sparking an interest in microscopy and imaging technology.

Following his PhD, Simon went to work as a postdoc in Pete Cullen's lab in the Department of Biochemistry at Bristol University, investigating Ras GTPase-activating proteins. These studies required the use of various microscopy systems and cemented Simon’s passion for biological imaging. Simon moved to the Babraham Institute in 2004 where he established the Institute’s core Imaging Facility.

The Imaging Facility now provides state-of-the-art microscopy services essential for the delivery of Institute science and is an important Babraham Research Campus resource supporting the commercial research community.