Navigating Challenges in a Doctoral Program: A Personal Account

After much deliberation during the golden holiday, I find myself writing this post on KimBaksa.net. This issue has been weighing on my mind for over two years, ever since I continued from my master's to the doctoral program in my current lab.

Background

I've always been the type to persevere and work hard when faced with unresolved problems. For two years, I've cycled through periods of concern, hard work, facing discrimination, and then returning to my research. Despite the challenges, I managed to complete my master's degree with notable achievements both within and outside the university.

My advisor, satisfied with my performance, encouraged me to pursue a doctoral degree. Driven by my passion for deeper study and research, I decided to continue.

The Current Situation

However, persistent discrimination and isolation can wear anyone down. Unlike a master's program, a doctoral journey requires unwavering dedication for an indefinite period. I find myself questioning whether enduring such an environment is the right choice for this demanding process.

The Lab Dynamic

In our lab, there's a postdoc who favors alumni from our university while blatantly ignoring those from other institutions. This individual is highly active in our academic field and extremely sensitive about their reputation. While they avoid leaving any evidence of discrimination, they provide input and support exclusively to in-house graduates, creating a clear divide.

Some examples of the disparate treatment include:

• Providing detailed roadmaps and curricula for study during the graduate program
• Offering extensive guidance for lab meetings, conferences, and thesis proposals
• Sharing career information and networking opportunities
• Recommending only in-house graduates for government and institutional projects

Personal Efforts and Achievements

Despite these challenges, I worked diligently throughout my master's program. My efforts led to the acceptance of a paper in an international journal during my third semester. I even included the postdoc as a co-author, despite their minimal contribution, in an attempt to improve our relationship.

Escalating Issues in the Doctoral Program

Now, three months into my doctoral program, the situation has worsened:

• The postdoc openly ignores me in the lab, influencing even new master's students to do the same
• Exclusive research guidance sessions are held for in-house graduates
• I'm bypassed for research opportunities in favor of master's students
• Essential lab-related communications are ignored, leaving me without proper handover of responsibilities
• I'm denied certain lab privileges that are standard for doctoral students

The Advisor's Stance

While my advisor is aware of the postdoc's dislike towards me, they seem to view it as a normal preference for in-house students. They tend to avoid intervening, encouraging me to focus solely on my research.

Current Challenges

• A senior (postdoc) unwilling to provide any input
• Uncooperative juniors aligned with the postdoc
• An advisor who advises to ignore the issues and focus on research
• Financial constraints, though manageable
• The need to independently secure funding and complete my doctoral thesis

Seeking Advice

I'm not seeking sympathy, but rather advice on how to navigate this situation. Should I distance myself from the lab dynamics and focus solely on my research? Is it acceptable to minimize my involvement in lab activities beyond my core responsibilities?

Some colleagues suggest that managing lab relationships is part of the doctoral experience and that I should make another effort to improve the situation. Others advise focusing solely on research output, disregarding lab politics.

I would greatly appreciate insights from senior researchers and peers on KimBaksa.net. Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy post.