***** Vol.4 Chap.2 The replacement *****
Jim left the Dean’s office and went straight to see JB. As usual, she was in her office typing away.
“JB?” Dr. Thomas knocked.
“Come in.”
“JB, how are things going this morning?”
“Lots of work. I have been approached by a corporation to study the genetic decoding.”
“That is good news. What group is that?”
“They wished to remain anonymous for now. But they promised lots of money if I can get results.”
“That sounds very good. I know you can get results.”
“Yeah.” A little flattering went a long way in softening JB.
“JB, I just came from talking to Dean Cherry. We would like to offer you an Adjunct Assistant Professor position here so you can finish teaching the classes and carry on the research programs.”
“That is very kind of you, but I really want a permanent position.”
“Yes, I know, but we must go through the standard procedures because of EOE requirements. There is nothing more I like than to see you have a permanent position here with us. I am forming a committee to initiate a faculty search immediately. I hope you will be the first one to apply.”
“I definitely will.”
“Oh, since you are now an adjunct, you can go ahead and submit the NSF proposal. I know time is tight, but I have confidence that you can make it. If there is anything I can help, let me know. Feel free to use the work-study students to do the running around getting signatures for your proposal.”
“Thank you, Dr. Thomas.”
“Call me Jim. You are a member of the faculty now.”
“Okay, Jim.”
There was finally a smile on her face.
So far, so good. My dreams are getting realized bit by bit.
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Just as Jim turned to leave, JB made another bold request.
“Oh, by the way, since I am taking over the classes for Dr. Abdulcizi. I need to set up office hours so I can meet with the students. For that, I need an office?”
“Hmmm. Do you want to use Frank’s office for the time being? We need to clean out his office first.”
“That will do. Thank you.”
Another milestone of my plan is realized. JB had a big smile within.
“Anything else I can do for you?”
“Nothing for the time being. I will continue to have research meetings with Dr. Tomash and I will also supervise Mark’s work.”
“That is super. You are the best person to step into Frank’s shoes.”
With that, Jim left the room.
A ginormous smile came across JB’s face. Her dream of being a prominent faculty in a prestigious institution and respected scientist had just taken a giant step forward. She was quite delighted in herself, in what she had accomplished, and in her underhanded maneuvering up to this point.
Now it was time to plan for the next phase of her life. First power, then money, finally fame. Her vision was to have lots of grant money, leading eventually to becoming a Nobel Laureate within a short time.
Being given the opportunity to oversee Frank’s research programs, his students, and other post-docs, the time is ripe for her to make a significant change to her advantage. She wasted no time to call Mark to her office.
“Hi Mark. Sit down,” said JB in a rather official and pompous tone.
“Hi, JB.”
“I just want you to know that Dr. Thomas just came to me. He had made me in charge of Dr. Abdulcizi’s research programs. So, you can start calling me Professor Smith now. I also want to let you know that under my supervision, there will be many changes in research directions and personnel.”
“Yeah?” inquired Mark with a puzzled look.
“First, I have already written the proposal to NSF and I will submit my proposal to them. I know you have worked hard trying to finish the proposal as directed by Dr. Abdulcizi. But I am here to tell you that you don’t have to finish the proposal any more. I have the proposal ready and will submit my version tomorrow.”
“Well, that is a relief. I did not think that I have time to complete the proposal, anyway.”
“Second, I think you should spend your time in looking for another post-doc position before the end of this semester.”
“But…”
“Now that I am in charge of the budget and the research programs, I am speeding up the research and building on my success with new directions and new initiatives. I need someone who can work with me.”
“I can help…”
“No, I am advertising the position. I need fresh blood and fresh mind and fresh thinking. I need assistants who can keep up with me.”
“But…”
“So, consider this your final notification that your funding will stop at the end of this semester.”
“Sure. Thank you for the advance notice.” Mark responded with a sour note and sadness written all over his countenance.
“By the way, consider everything you have done in this institute to be confidential and there can be no further publications without my permission and my name even after you left the Institute.”
“What about the two papers I just sent out?”
“We will let them know that there is a correction on the author list and my name will appear first.”
“But…”
“That’s all, Mark. Good luck.” JB said pontifically waving her hand to dismiss him.
Mark felt he just got blindsided and slammed by a truck. He had nothing more to say, nor was he in any position to do anything about the present situation. So, he just left quietly and sorrowfully.