Recovering from colleague's unexpectedly hostile comments about my work

[newprof]

Hello all,

There is a departmental colleague who is very senior to me (I am assistant professor, they are recently promoted to full professor). Things have always been cordial between us and I never sensed anything amiss. This person recently attended department-level presentations by some of my students, and each time delivered a steady stream of harsh criticisms that were ostensibly towards the student but were clearly directed at me and the very research theme of my group. I realise now s/he most likely doesn't think my research questions are interesting or worth pursuing. When these bizarre indirect critiques have happened, I have tried to explain the work and why it's relevant in my particular field but s/he has appeared utterly disinterested in what I have to say, and almost scathing towards the student.

This colleague is not from my field, and scientifically I feel their criticisms are easily dismissed. Nonetheless, while I have achieved a reasonable measure of success in my field so far, I find I am experiencing a severe crisis of confidence as a result of these totally unexpected interactions. This person is also serving as a committee member for some of my students, so I am cautious about the potential uphill battle. Overall, I just feel so sad and floored by the whole thing.

Any advice on how to dust off and keep going?

[Parasaurolophus]

They're just being R2. Mentally give them the finger and forget about them, just like you do R2.

[fizzycist]

This sounds rough. The behavior towards your students needs to stop, so I think you need to deal with this. I'd start just by asking them to coffee and see if I can figure out whether theyre human. If that isn't effective, I'd talk to another senior person who I trusted to get their advice and aid. If that doesn't work, I'd figure out how to get them removed from the students' committees.

[Hegemony]

A severe crisis of confidence is unwarranted. You say yourself that this person's scientific basis for this criticism is weak. They are obviously just a crank who likes to be critical. You come across these every now and then. They feel their only value is feeling superior to others and letting them know it in harsh terms. It would help to protect the students as best you can, but certainly don't take this person's hostility to heart. If they had legitimate criticism, there are encouraging ways, or at least neutral ways, to deliver it. Roll your eyes and move ahead. Publishing well is the best revenge!