1978-1981: Undergraduate, Cambridge University, studying Natural Sciences.

1982-1986: NERC-funded postgraduate research student, Leeds University. Awarded Ph.D. "Physical and Chemical Processes in Ductile Shear Zones" Nov 1986.

1986-1988: Geologist and computer programmer, Midland Valley Exploration (oil industry consultancy). I created the first commercial version of the balanced cross-section application now known as 2DMove.

1988-1989: NERC Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dept. Earth Sciences, Liverpool University

1990-1997: Lecturer, Dept. Earth Sciences, Liverpool University

1997-2002: Senior Lecturer, Dept. Earth Sciences, Liverpool University

2002-2005: Reader, Dept. Earth and Ocean Sciences, Liverpool University

2005-2017: Professor, Dept. Earth and Ocean Sciences, Liverpool University

2017-: Herdman Professor of Geology, Dept. Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, Liverpool University