Hi
I am trying to return back to Europe after a 5 year post doc in one of the IVY league Univ in the USA. The experience has been less than pleasent, I have aquired 2 co-first author publications and few editorials. I have considered sucking it up and staying longer within the group, just to improve my CV, but even though I can survive the constant degradation/visa threats from the PI, I dont think that any of my projects will bring in high impact publication within 2y. (Yes the PI has been reported to HR several times but it only gets worse).
I need to move out from the group and without my PI's knowledge. Previous post docs have experienced bad reference letters from the PI which made their move impossible within academia, many quit and went to BCG or other alternative careers. I have contacted my PhD supervisor (Oxford UK) and he is happy to provide me ref letters. Im trying to return back to my homecountry Sweden where I dont have any network since my PhD was in the UK. To apply to any of the start up grants, a home institution or mentor is required.
Do you have any advice on how I approach this? I am now trying to identify Professors that are in my field but not active collaborators of my PI, to email them to ask for support.
Grateful for advice.