He completed his PhD at WEHI in the Visvader/Lindeman laboratory and received the “Professor Lynn Corcoran PhD Prize” for his research understanding the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for resistance to cell death in breast cancer. This work has provided the foundation for testing novel compounds in early phase clinical trials, together with industry collaboration. 

Following his PhD, Dr Whittle commenced working remotely with the Ligon Laboratory, Dana Faber Cancer Institute, with a focus on uncovering resistance mechanisms to glioma and in 2021, was appointed joint laboratory head at WEHI, establishing the Brain Cancer Research Laboratory, together with Dr Sarah Best and Dr Saskia Freytag.

Dr Whittle is an active member in COGNO and sits on the Management Committee, as well as chairing the Outreach and Education Committee. In addition to making scientific discoveries, Jim is passionate in the pursuit of improving supportive care for patients and carers with brain cancer.