Lab Member sabotaging other postdocs experiments - Academic Sabotage (Oct/01/2009 )
AussieUSA on Oct 5 2009, 11:23 PM said:
I too have worked in crowded busy labs like this ... one answer is to work shifts, if that is a easy option for you. When real-time PCR first came out, our lab had one of the first optical machines and it went 24h a day ... that meant us, the users, where in setting plates up every 2-3h. Some people liked to work nights and others preferred early mornings. I am not suggestion you work at midnight, but maybe choose a time when the other lab members are not around as much.
AussieUSA.
Hi AussieUSA,
Now we are implementing the "booking" strategy which we have to book machines (pcr) before we use. The latest problem is some user only write down and book the time they want to use, but didn't mention the time usage duration. When I ask them, they just answer me a lame answer:" I haven't run it so I don't know how long it takes..."
Yeah, I had to work night shift almost daily....
I hope by sharing some of my problems you might be able to figure out some policies. Pls share it here once you done so we all can be benefit.
All the best,
Adrian
Numbers 2 and 6 are or should be enough to get the jerk kicked out. The rest are petty. As you said, you prob can't prove the former - the latter is one that, if you can prove it, should bring to your PI's attention then to the journal itself. If neither can be proven - forget it.
If you are sure he faked the data - it's your obligation to surface the transgression. But you obviously don't like the guy, so are you sure?. If you don't have the proof, i suggest you shut up - this is a very serious charge for any scientist (even for MD's - who we all know are typically poor scientists).
The rest of the stuff, except for the first, is all within the the realm of the petty conflicts one find at one time or another in any lab For the 1st and if I were sure I'd sure confront. Ny inclination would be to kick his ass - but at minimum drag him in front of the PI and raise enough hell the guy wouldn't try it again.
eberthella on Oct 8 2009, 05:12 AM said:
But if the PI is sticking up for him then that won't help much. It could even damage the relationship between yourself and the PI.
I have to admit that eberthella makes a good point. If the PI does nothing when you have proof, you might consder your next opportunity - and "kick his ass" on your way out the door.