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[parchem]

Hi, I was wondering if I could get some advice.

I graduated with a PhD this summer, and was offered and accepted a non-tenure track research asst. professor position in a medical school. I've been there for about six months, and the contract is for three years (no obligation to stay on my end). The position was substantially misrepresented to me; I was really excited about it, but the reality of what the position is and what kind of research flexibility I have are substantially worse than what was suggested. Furthermore, the chair of the department is a horrible person, and has been from day one.

What obligations do I have to stay? Should I stay? My guess is that I could find employment elsewhere, either in a post-doctoral position (not a big deal, I just graduated) or in a research position at a different academic institution. One complication - my wife (also an academic, but in a different field with worse job prospects than mine) would like to retry the job market anyway next year or so.

[magistra]

No obligation, I think, as long as you tell them within a reasonable time frame to find someone new.  You do want to be careful that you have something else in writing so you're not screwed, and then tell them that this wonderful opportunity came up and you can't let it pass. 

Do think about the availability of adjuncts in your area, who'd cover your classes, etc.  You don't want a reputation for leaving whenever, and you may need recommendations from them.  I think it's generally known that VAPs need to take the tt position or other move up when they come, but no use making enemies.

Since your wife is looking to change jobs next year, why not just wait until then?  If you've given them 2 of 3 years, and given proper notice, it should be fine.

[parchem]

Thank you for the advice. I definitely don't want to screw anybody; I don't teach, but I don't want to hurt the people that I work most closely with (who are actually all really great).

We've thought about trying to wait it out. But the situation is so bad (e.g. getting called into the office twice a week and being told how awful I am, demands that I cc the chair on all messages from research associates, and demands that I open up my dissertation research to "collaboration" and supervision from the chair while attempting to publish it), that I'm starting to bring the work problems home. :( That combined with the inconsistency of the job market makes us think that it might be better to cut my losses.

[jackalope]

Lincoln freed the slaves. Get the hell out of that snake pit as quickly as you can.

[magistra]

That does sound bad.  I hadn't realized about the lack of teaching.  Run far, run fast!

[nastea]

I'd wait till you get something to go to (as above, with your wife's situation). You wouldn't want to be out of a paycheck while searching, yes? I agree with the other folks--once you have some stability, then make tracks.

[doppelganger]

I'd wait till you get something to go to (as above, with your wife's situation). You wouldn't want to be out of a paycheck while searching, yes? I agree with the other folks--once you have some stability, then make tracks.

Yes, and in the meantime, hide your dissertation research at home as much as is possible. 
(This is a humanist speaking; I know I could just take my books, files and disks home, but that might be significantly more difficult in the sciences.)

[parchem]

Hi,

I know it's been a while, but I wanted to thank everybody who advised me on this. It took a bit of doing, but I took the advice and am in a new position. It is a night and day change. I'm having fun, learning a lot and enjoying research again.

So, thank you all again.