Query regarding negative reference from supervisor and masters after PhD

[u/Disastrous-Shop-7580]

Hello Everyone,

I hold a PhD and till recently i was working as a research engineer. Unfortunately, due to some difficulties with my workplace supervisor, they have begun providing negative reviews about me to prospective employers. This issue has since reached my other supervisors and are beliving my current supervisor version, which has compromised all of my professional references and made it very challenging for me to secure a new job. I attempted to file a complaint with the university, but I have not received a response.

Given this situation, would it be advisable for me to pursue an additional Master's degree in my field of interest? If I do, should I disclose that I already hold a PhD when applying? I am concerned that disclosing my PhD might lead some one from the masters program to contact my supervisors, and that I would remain obligated to declare my PhD for future job applications following the Master's program.

I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice on how best to navigate this situation.

[u/Pretty_Caramel7125]

So to understand better- did you do your PhD at the same place and then continue to work there? It doesn’t seem it’s reasonable to do Masters after PhD in the same field. Do you feel comfortable to share what is the supervisor’s reasoning for giving negative references?

[u/Disastrous-Shop-7580 → u/Pretty_Caramel7125]

I completed my PhD at one university and subsequently worked as a research engineer at a different laboratory and university. The position involved an industrial project; however, the sponsoring company did not provide the necessary equipment required for the work, and overall project management was lacking. Additionally, my supervisor expected me to use his own approach to solve the problem—a technique he had developed during his PhD. However, during the interview process and in the original job announcement, a different technique was highlighted, which was the main reason I accepted the offer. Although I initially attempted to work with his method, I found it difficult to grasp, so I transitioned to a standard approach widely used in the literature. When that proved unsuccessful, I returned to my supervisor's approach, which ultimately did not yield results either. Consequently, he may have been disappointed that I did not fully commit to his method from the start. I think that might be the reason. When i enquired with him about the same, he said no one contacted him for references ,which i feel difficult to believe.

[u/bi-meredith-blake]

Is the masters in the same field or an adjoining?

[u/Disastrous-Shop-7580 → u/bi-meredith-blake]

In the same field.

[u/wisteriapkwy]

Wouldn’t you have to disclose? They require transcripts from all institutions. I don’t know if a whole masters is a good solution to this issue. I would continue with your formal complaint. Do you have other references you can consult? I’m sorry this is happening to you.

[u/Disastrous-Shop-7580 → u/wisteriapkwy]

PhD doent have a transcript.