He has a Ph.D in X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy from the University of Newcastle (UK). In 1987, he moved to the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST, UK) to start working in Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToFSIMS). In 1992, part of the surface science group at UMIST was spun out as a private company, providing commercial analytical and consultancy services. This company was acquired by Lucideon in 2002.

Alan currently works in the Surface Science Group at Lucideon, as Operations Director and Surface Analyst. He uses techniques such as SIMS and XPS for the study of, for example, biomaterials, medical devices and implants, pharmaceuticals, coatings, lacquers, adhesives, packaging, surfactants, lubricants and tribofilms.