Still my PI has not given me any feedback on my thesis. I've already had two people read the two completed chapters and give me their feedback but nothing from him despite me reminding him. He really needs to stop being so childish, never in my life have I come across someone who behaves like this, who's so unprofessional and malicious. I've been able to put aside all the hurtful things he's said and done to me over the years. I still can to lab and do my work. He is a poor mentor, he's never done anything but criticize me and hurt me, never science related. Just because I have no interest in other peoples drama and could careless about what they do in or out of lab, I don't complain to him about others, I don't gossip, I just want to do my work and live my own life. For this he's labeled me 'the black sheep' and I can't get him to just leave me alone.
How many ways can I explain to a prospective PI the reason I have no first author papers without telling the truth about my PI?
They never ask so how was Dr. X as a mentor, how was the lab environment, why when I do a PubMed search on Dr. X there has been nothing but one paper in the last 5/6 years but he's has millions of dollars?
Don't ask me, you have his number call and ask him.... ask him why his ego is bigger than everyone else's, why we've missed out on me getting 5 papers, but he lets his colleagues scoop us and then says nor does anything.
I remember last year I had a meeting with my PI because I wanted to discuss how important it is for me to get a paper, I presented some ideas etc and he looked at me and asked me 'why did you do this?' and I explained. All he did was look at me and turn back around to face his desk.
He has hinted that I'm not welcomed to stay after I hand in my thesis, so I don't know how I'll get to finish up anything for that elusive paper. I wish I could go back in time and get a do over.
"How many ways can I explain to a prospective PI the reason I have no first author papers without telling the truth about my PI?"
ReplyDeleteJust tell them you wished you had received more constructive direction early on, but unfortunately your PI did not publish very much. Most PI want postdocs who are eager to publish. They will have probably already picked up on the fact that your relationship was not great, and appreciate that you can rise above gratuitously trashing your current PI.
I suspect staying on to finish up your paper would only bring more frustration. The sooner you move on the better IMHI.
Were the other two people you committee members? If not go to your committee members - they are there as secondary advisors and their role goes beyond simply judging you as a candidate.
This is horrible behaviour on behalf of your PI. Yuck. I agree with Dr. G about going to your committee members if you can. Or, is there an "ombudsman" for grad students at your Uni you could ask for advice? Hopefully this all resolves quickly. I also agree with Dr. G that it sounds like the sooner you move on the better. Im already worried your bogus advisor would somehow "take" the elusive paper from you too. Its just not worth it, and you will get a good post-doc opportunity Im sure of it. And then, you will quickly show them youre worth it, publication record or not.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the PI!