​​​David studied BSc Biological Sciences (Hons) at the University of East Anglia, where he specialised in molecular biology and microbiology, focusing on plant pathology and genetics. His final year of study was spent at the John Innes Institute in the insect virology department.

After completing his studies, David began his professional career in project management working across the world in a range of different sectors.

He then ​joined STFC's Scientific Computing Department (SCD) in July 2019, where he initially took over the project management of DAFNI (Data and Analytics for National Infrastructure). Here, he worked closely with Peter Oliver (Head of Operations), who gave him an extensive overview of how STFC operates. In particular, he looked at how projects are run, the way bids are costed, the idiosyncrasies of research council administration and how SCD likes to do things. These principles are now being applied across the department in a much wider context.

David's project management office are now filling a gap in the SCD's management armoury, which other departments have taken notice of and are following suit amid a larger initiative across the UKRI Councils to set up PMOs.

David's vision for the PMO covers four key areas:

Housekeeping such as operating support processes, Producing reports on interesting topics involving our science, Removing blockers to improve or remove processes in the department and Creating a centre of excellence to provide an environment that gives an opportunity and support system to drive forward great ideas.