I started working for a Biotech company about 1.5 years ago.

I started working for a Biotech company about 1.5 years ago. I liked the people but wasn't thrilled with the work I was doing and struggled a bit the first few months. I had an opportunity to head up another project that used my skillset, so I did and I excelled. I installed new equipment and a lab and brought the company a technology they had not previously been able to access because they did not have the expertise. So at the first of this year, I thought I was doing great. But then things went downhill.

This month I got a new boss (Yay). I also learned that my old boss has been withholding information and refused to invite any meetings having to do with my project. It has become so bad I just can't do my job. I am 60 y.o. PhD chemist and my old boss was a senior manager and totally excluded me from every meeting, conversation, event, and tidbit of information, even if it directly impacted me and my projects. I have been trying to collaborate with other scientists there, and I volunteer to take on new work. The old boss's actions really did a number on my career, projects, and confidence. I noticed the old-timers there are very resistant to any new ideas and talent.

I've repeatedly asked to be included and told my new boss about my dilemma. I like my work now but the politics are killing my career at this company. I feel like quitting but I can't afford to do so financially, and I don't have enough money to retire either. I am afraid the new boss will do the same thing. I am trying to decide if I should stick it out or throw in the towel and take another job.

Any advice would be welcome.

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2 Comments

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  1. L

    Was your manager also a scientist or more of a VP/PM? I find very poor communication between technical units and business facing units at a lot of biotech because they don’t understand which details are important. Just keep doing your job, data speaks more than gossip so if you produce solid work this field does offer some immunity against politics,

  2. Tracy Wolf

    Good comments. My old boss was a Senior Manager but has some technical expertise, He doesn't really understand my field per se so that could lead to some issues I suppose. I have tried to keep my new and old managers in the loop and explain issues in less technical terms but perhaps i have not been as effective as I thought. I think you are correct that sometimes a lack of alignment between management and technical folks.

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