Jim obtained his BSc (1987, Physiology), BPhEd (1988, Distinction) and MPhEd (1992, Distinction) at Otago before heading to Australia to complete a PhD in Environmental Physiology at the University of Wollongong (1998). Following a lectureship there in 1997, he worked as a Research Scientist in the Australian Defence Science & Technology Organisation for three years (1998-2001), investigating human tolerance and adaptation under adverse ergonomic and environmental conditions. Now at The University of Otago, he researches in these fields in both health and performance contexts, with related teaching and service on editorial boards (Journal of Applied Physiology; Frontiers in Physiology), the Executive Board of Sport & Exercise Science NZ (2005-2010), and advice on High Performance Sport as required (especially for Athens and Beijing Olympics).