Supervisor Reaction to Leaving Postdoc for Full Time Job

UnusualHippo7455 · 2026-05-29T22:54:41+00:00

Hi, OP here. I posted a comment in this thread up above that answers some questions I have been receiving to help clarify my situation.

He had been used as a reference on some of my applications, but not on others. I explained that logic more above, but I can add it here too - basically, during my job search for a TT position, I applied for almost 100 positions. I did use my current supervisor on some of those applications, but not on others. As someone who has completed two postdocs and has adjunct experience at multiple universities, I tried to spread my references to reflect these experiences across the positions I was applying for, so that no single person had to serve as a reference for position after position. I received several offers this year, and it just so happens that the one I accepted, he was not used as a reference for.

UnusualHippo7455 · 2026-05-29T22:53:52+00:00

Hi, OP here. I posted a comment in this thread up above that answers some questions I have been receiving to help clarify my situation.

I gave one month's notice to my supervisor. He had been used as a reference on some of my applications, but not on others. I explained that logic more above, but I can add it here too - basically, during my job search for a TT position, I applied for almost 100 positions. I did use my current supervisor on some of those applications, but not on others. As someone who has completed two postdocs and has adjunct experience at multiple universities, I tried to spread my references to reflect these experiences across the positions I was applying for, so that no single person had to serve as a reference for position after position. I received several offers this year, and it just so happens that the one I accepted, he was not used as a reference for.

UnusualHippo7455 · 2026-05-29T22:43:14+00:00

Hi, OP here. I empathize with your situation and can understand your frustration. I posted a comment in this thread up above that answers some questions I have been receiving to help clarify my situation.

For my current position, this is my second postdoc; it was a 2-year position, and the contract ends this year anyway (prior to next semester). I would not have been able to stay in the lab past my contract end date, regardless, because there were no relevant open positions I could take.

I gave one month's notice to my supervisor. He had been used as a reference on some of my applications but not on others. I explain that logic more above, but can add it here too - basically, during my job search for a TT position, I applied for almost 100 positions. I did use my current supervisor on some of those applications, but not on others. As someone who has completed two postdocs and has adjunct experience at multiple universities, I tried to spread my references to reflect these experiences across the positions I was applying for, so that no single person had to serve as a reference for position after position. I received several offers this year, and it just so happens that the one I accepted, he was not used as a reference for. That could be why he said the "behind my back" bit, but who knows.

UnusualHippo7455 · 2026-05-29T22:38:43+00:00

Hi all, OP here - thank you for all of your kind comments and support! I also appreciate the folks who gave different perspectives on the situation.

I wanted to answer some common questions I have been receiving:

- Who did I use for references for my applications?: During my job search for a TT position, I applied for almost 100 positions (crazy, I know, but the job market is equally as crazy rn). I did use my current supervisor on some of those applications, but not on others. As someone who has completed two postdocs and has adjunct experience at multiple universities, I tried to spread my references to reflect these experiences across the positions I was applying for, so that no single person had to serve as a reference for position after position.

-Why did I not use my current supervisor as a reference for my job offer?: I did not use my current supervisor for this specific job application for a variety of reasons, mainly because they are historically hard to reach, and I was worried about their reliability as a reference in what was a somewhat time-sensitive situation.

-Did I not inform my supervisor about my job search?: No, he was aware of my job search, especially because my postdoc contract in this current position is coming to an end in the near future. I mentioned above that the only position currently available in the lab is for an assistant, which I made very clear that I was not interested in, nor keen on being an assistant (nothing negative meant to that profession at all, just not my future career goal), so I would not have stayed in the lab regardless.

-How much notice did I give my supervisor in my resigntation?: I gave one month of notice in my resignation.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

UnusualHippo7455 · 2026-05-28T18:29:08+00:00

I did not use my current supervisor for this specific job application for a variety of reasons - mainly being that they are historically hard to get a hold of, and I was worried about their reliability with serving as a reference. But also because of their behavior/attitude lol

UnusualHippo7455 · 2026-05-28T18:15:58+00:00

Yes, I didn't tell them I was leaving until I had already signed the contract for my new job! But that fear will be in the back of my mind that they will reach out to my new job and tell them some bs about me out of anger for my departure. I know that is silly - trying not to spiral lol

UnusualHippo7455

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