SIMON MARK STRAFFORD
Baidon,West Yorkshire
Summary
Dedicated researcher with extensive experience in health and wellbeing projects, specialising in lasers, cell culture, hard tissue techniques, HPLC, and surface analysis. Strong analytical skills and a collaborative approach enhance project outcomes. Demonstrates problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, ensuring efficient and accurate task completion. Communicates effectively to foster teamwork.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Technician
SCAPE, University of Leeds
09.2018 - Current
- Cultured bone cells and tested toxicity of potential bone repair materials, utilised laser alignment for dental erosion and bone repair (level 2 - certificate in laser safety). Completed three-month sabbatical at University of Bari in Italy.
- Assisted in the collection and analysis of samples, following strict safety protocols.
- Maintained a clean and organised laboratory environment to facilitate efficient workflow.
- Performed routine maintenance on laboratory equipment to uphold operational standards.
Therapeutic Foster Carer
Chrysalis Consortium
06.2021 - 05.2024
- Worked without judgement, delivering compassionate care to children from diverse backgrounds.
- Encouraged foster children's cultural and religious identity, facilitating participation in relevant community events.
- Effectively established children's needs to deliver optimal everyday care while separated from birth families.
- Facilitated life skills workshops and [Type] programmes in collaboration with social work professional.
Research Technician
University of Leeds
01.2014 - 08.2018
- Prepared hard tissue samples for research, developed standard operating procedures and risk assessments, supervised post-graduate students in lab and academic settings, and assisted in writing papers and funding applications to support research initiatives. Ensured compliance with GLP and GCP in clinical and pre-clinical research projects. Attended conferences at university, national, and international levels to disseminate research findings and engage with the scientific community.
- School of Dentistry
- Assisted in the collection and analysis of samples, following strict safety protocols.
- Maintained a clean and organised laboratory environment to facilitate efficient workflow.
- Performed routine maintenance on laboratory equipment to uphold operational standards.
Teacher Training
Leeds College
Leeds
06.2010 - 09.2014
- Pursued certification to teach in primary education.
Research Fellow
University of Leeds
05.1998 - 06.2010
- Managed laboratory operations, supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students, and authored scientific papers and grant applications to secure funding. Collaborated with industrial funding partners to align research objectives and deliverables. Ensured compliance with Good Laboratory Practice and Good Clinical Practice in clinical and pre-clinical research projects while strategising project continuation. Attending national and international conferences to deliver research findings.
- School of Dentistry
- Coordinated with senior researchers to design research methodologies, ensuring adherence to project objectives.
- Analysed and interpreted complex datasets, drawing meaningful conclusions to inform research.
- Published numerous articles in esteemed academic journals, establishing a reputation as a leading expert within the field.
Education
PhD - Factors Effecting the Demineralisation and Remineralisation of Human Dental Enamel
University of Leeds
01-1998
MSc - The Dental Manifestations of Epidermolysis Bullosa
University of Leeds
01-1994
BSc (Hons) - Applied Biochemistry
Liverpool Polytechnic
01-1991
A-level -
Brigshaw School
01-1987
O-level -
Brigshaw School
01-1987
Skills
- Cell culture
- Hard tissue preparation
- HPLC
- ELISA
- Electrophoresis
- Handling human tissue
- Biological Lab
- Lab experience
- Laser alignment
- Laser training
- Developing Laboratory methods
- Analytical
- Materials science
- Rheological analysis
- Particle size measurement
- Material hardness testing
- Electron microscopy techniques
- Surface profile analysis
- FTIR
- UV visible
- Lab management
- SOP writing
- Maintain lab stocks
- Research compliance management
- Laboratory safety
- Sample collection
- Record keeping
- Report writing
- Research authorship
- Conference presentations
- PhD / MSc supervision
- Staff training
OUTSIDE SKILLS AND INTERESTS
I am an avid cricket fan. I have my Level 2 in Coaching Children and Young Adults (cricket). I play myself for the team in Kippax.
I was also a Volunteer Leader for the First Kippax Scout Group.
I enjoy mentoring post-grad and undergraduate students.
I am a designer and participant of role-playing games and feature in some books!
DIY is also a love of mine having successfully converted my basement.
On top of this I am a keen Bradford City supporter!
Timeline
Therapeutic Foster Carer
Chrysalis Consortium
06.2021 - 05.2024
Research Technician
SCAPE, University of Leeds
09.2018 - Current
Research Technician
University of Leeds
01.2014 - 08.2018
Teacher Training
Leeds College
06.2010 - 09.2014
Research Fellow
University of Leeds
05.1998 - 06.2010
PhD - Factors Effecting the Demineralisation and Remineralisation of Human Dental Enamel
University of Leeds
MSc - The Dental Manifestations of Epidermolysis Bullosa
University of Leeds
BSc (Hons) - Applied Biochemistry
Liverpool Polytechnic
A-level -
Brigshaw School
O-level -
Brigshaw School