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Academic/researchers - I messed up a great opportunity, is it too late?

17 replies

pinksky · 11/01/2013 11:42

I would very much welcome some advice please.

I'm an early career researcher about to finish a fixed term post. Before Christmas a great post came up internally and I applied. Subsequently I learned from my old PhD supervisor that there would be a post coming up with their team later in the year (same uni, different departments). I decided to withdraw my original application, sent an explanation to the recruiting professor, and the post went external. The deadline passed last Friday.

I have now had time to hear about the other department/post and I think I made a massive error withdrawing my application. The other job is not going to suit me at all.

HR have said that the professor recruiting for the original job can accept a late application if they wish... so now I am considering approaching them to ask. This is all a total mess and I know I appear unreliable and indecisive but in my defence it's a difficult time and what i do next will have consequences for my career.

Do you think this is utter madness? I work with the prof on one project and they don't suffer fools gladly (and right now I am an utter fool). What is at stake I suppose is my pride, and I risk placing myself in an even worse light with the prof, which may impact on the current project and future work.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly received...

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SocietyClowns · 11/01/2013 12:27

Get in touch with the professor NOW and grovel about putting in a late application. I found out to my cost a few years ago that loyalty means nothing in academia and you may well end up without a job otherwise.

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VeronicaSpeedwell · 11/01/2013 12:34

Just get in touch right now and ask, but don't go into loads of dithery detailed excuses. Just be straightforward and polite and say that your circumstances have changed and you would very much like to be considered if he would accept your application. I don't really see how that could put you in a 'worse light' with him. Showing your big tangle of self-loathing feelings about it might! Good luck!

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VeronicaSpeedwell · 11/01/2013 12:36

Sorry, I see you don't actually say that the prof is a man. Now I have self-loathing feminist guilt!

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pinksky · 11/01/2013 13:03

Veronica and Society thank you SO much, I was expecting a 'your loss' response. I am going to draft something now, apologetic but not overly grovelling. Thank you.


ps it is a she - don't worry though, exactly the kind of thing I would do - it's an ongoing battle liberating my mind from a lifetime in a patriarchy!

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SocietyClowns · 11/01/2013 14:14

Good luck Smile

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VeronicaSpeedwell · 11/01/2013 17:15

Smile Keep cool and you have nothing to lose! Did you send it?

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pinksky · 11/01/2013 20:41

I did send it, and got a response saying 'please apply' Smile Thank you both so much - I'll let you know how it goes.

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VeronicaSpeedwell · 11/01/2013 21:36

Grin Excellent! Good luck!

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SocietyClowns · 11/01/2013 23:10

Fantastic Smile

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pinksky · 30/01/2013 13:03

Veronica and Society - I wanted to let you know that I got the job! Thank you very much for your encouragement

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VeronicaSpeedwell · 30/01/2013 22:18

Only just saw this! Great news GrinGrinGrin! I am sitting at home like this Grin for you. Enjoy your celebration!

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VeronicaSpeedwell · 30/01/2013 22:22

And just read your thread to my DH who has given me a high five to pass on Smile.

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takeaway2 · 30/01/2013 22:24

Oh fantastic! I only saw this post now but also wanted to say that I'm on an interview panel due next week and we had a late applicant, which we allowed to apply. And we've short listed that person! One of 6 but still...! Smile

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Levantine · 31/01/2013 22:49

Oooh great news! well done

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pinksky · 31/01/2013 23:02

High five indeed Grin thank you very much - I'm so pleased.

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DevaDiva · 31/01/2013 23:08

Brilliant news, have been following your thread and so pleased you got it Grin

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SocietyClowns · 01/02/2013 12:58

Congratulations!! So pleased you went for it Grin

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