How to approach professors when I am changing lab?

Question

I am a second-year Ph.D. student and due to some unavoidable circumstances, I have decided to leave my current supervisor/lab. I tried to resolve all the issues but apparently, the supervisor told me it would be best for both of us if I move to another lab.

Now I am really worried and stressed about how I am gonna get a new lab. How do I approach other professors? I know that changing labs in the middle of the Ph.D. is not very uncommon but I am afraid if other professors think bad of me because I had to leave a lab.

I am an international student, which makes things harder for me. I am really traumatized, depressed, worried, and frustrated. I had a lot of motivation and passion when I started but because of the rude behavior of the supervisor, I am just the opposite now. I really don't know how to approach others or what to do in this situation. It will be very helpful if experienced people can suggest me in this situation.

Thanks.

That will depend a lot on details you don't mention, in particular whether your current supervisor is going to support you in trying to find a new lab. — Arno, Jan 17 '22 at 17:32
So you likely have some idea of what other professors in the department are doing. Pick a few of them and go schedule a discussion of what the options might be. They will probably know there are issues and you will be looking. — Jon Custer, Jan 17 '22 at 18:20
@JonCuster yeah, I have an idea of the work of other professors. I am mainly worried if they have an opening or not at this time of the year. — metastable, Jan 17 '22 at 19:45
That is a valid worry, but the way to get an actual answer is to go talk to them. You might also have a chat with the department chair (or grad chair) about the process and what happens next. — Jon Custer, Jan 17 '22 at 19:54
Does this answer your question? How should I phrase an important question that I need to ask a professor? — Louic, Jan 31 '22 at 07:34

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 17 '22 at 22:12

OK, first take a deep breath, relax a bit, and focus on what you can do about the situation. Students changing advisors (for many different reasons) is not all that unusual - any reasonably sized department will have this happen every year or so.

First, based on a comment you made, your advisor will help you 'if needed'. Fine, but you have work to do as well.

Second, you might want a meeting with the department chair (or grad chair depending on the structure). Talk about the issue, ask for help and advice on finding a new advisor. Listen to them.

Third, realize that your issues with your advisor are known, if only by rumor or off-the-cuff chats, with most of the professors in the department. They have been around, seen people change advisors - it is all a normal thing, except to you (since this is your first time). Relax.

Fourth, you've been around for 1.5 years or so, and likely have a handle on what different professors do, and what their students in your year are doing. Select three or four as a start, get appointments, and go talk to them about opportunities to join their group. Perhaps a few turn down the appointment request since they don't have funding. Find replacements for them. This may cause you to look further afield than you might like. Investigate further - in 40 years I've never had a research problem that was uninteresting at all.

Good luck, focus on the future.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I am just nervous about how to approach other professors. I know everyone knows that changing lab is not a new thing but as you said - the first time for me. This is making me nervous and worried. — metastable, Jan 18 '22 at 13:45

How to approach professors when I am changing lab?

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