after the war ended whitmore returned to work at the university and was awarded his phd in 1949. he was appointed senior lecturer in the department of mining and fuels at nottingham university in 1953. this appointment was financially supported by the national coal board. they were keen to encourage research into coal preparation and mineral dressing. whitmore pursued research into the cleaning of coal, viscosity and sedimentation of material suspended in fluids. his research led to him being awarded a dsc by the university of birmingham in 1959, following extensive publication of his findings. he was appointed to reader within his department. he also lectured outside of the university in courses for the national coal board.