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[alchemist]

In my final year as a chemistry grad student, my advisor lost tenure.  When he left the school, my research was weeks away from completion, so I patched up the holes in my remaining papers, converted them into my disseratation, and then used long distance communication to shore up my dissertation and graduated a year and a half ago.

The first six months I pushed my advisor pretty vigorously to read over my papers and let me know what should be fixed.  Unfortunately, he now has a senior scientist position, and just had his second child.  So, nothing happened.  Since then, I've been working vigorously on the steep learning curve of my new job.  So, over time I've pestered him less and less.

Really, these papers do not apply to what I'm doing now, but I did the work, I really would like to get the credit.  What's the best way to push the issue?

[august_leo]

I would ask another colleague either at your current school or another diss committee member to read the paper(s) and comment. Then submit each as you (1st author) and him (2nd author) - but email him you are doing this, e.g.,

"I am ready to submit the Halogen paper. I'm going to send it out on Friday to Cool Chemistry. Let me know if you want to see a draft before I send it. Here is the reference:

Alchemist, C. & Advisor, D.R. (submitted). Chemistry IS the Central Science. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Best,
Alchemist"

That's what I'd do. You should try and publish these things. This way you move forward and when he is ready (maybe when reviews come back) he can join you.

[shrek]

What august said. Also, note that this is probably a reason he didn't get tenure-- couldn't get things done or handle multiple tasks.

[alchemist]

No, he didn't get tenure for anything that was his fault.  It was new president politics.  School wanted more money, which our area of chemistry isn't known for. Department voted unanimously in his favor.

[alchemist]

Thanks for the advice.  I'll take another read through this weekend and figure out where to publish them.

[canadatourismguy]

I would send it to another and get them to be 2nd author.  I would then add your adviser as the third author (out of respect mostly).  It doesn't harm you in any way to do so and there will be no hurt feelings as a result.

CTG

[sciencephd]

If there are other co-authors, get them to help with any editing, and getting the manuscript in shape to publish. 

You cannot publish a paper in the sciences without the consent of all of the authors (signed release form).  For most journals this will occur after review; for a (very) small number of journals, signatures are required before submitting the manuscript.

I have to disagree with some of the other commentors, who may not be considering the field (chemistry).  Not including your advisor on the paper is NOT really a reasonable option, since you did the work in his lab (ie with his resources) and under his direction/guidance.  Doing such would be considered unethical, except under extraordinary circumstances (ie you cannot contact him at all, or he refuses to respond for several months).