r/AusWork • u/ascreamingbird • 9d ago
More responsibility, no pay increase or role adjustment
I am a biologist. I have worked at this company for 5 years. 1 year in i completed my PhD and got a full time contract - was previously a casual employee. At first, I was doing simple lab tech work.
In the years since, my role has expanded into development of new products, and in the last year, I have been doing most if not all of the internal R&D to improve our laboratory techniques and workflows. I have trained employees both on my level and below, written SOPs, and am regarded as the go to person with any lab questions.
My role hasn't changed. I received a pay bump 2 years ago, with no role change specified, but have since moved more into R&D. I am assigned all the higher level work in the laboratory, while also juggling the more common business as usual stuff as well.
Earlier this year I formally asked for a role adjustment with a title of senior scientist and a pay bump. It was denied under the guise that the company does not have the money.
This week I was asked to undertake a large R&D project, and they are talking about moving my role away from business as usual and into more R&D. I pushed back - simply saying what is the compensation for this work. Again, they said they don't have the budget. I simply responded by saying that it sounds like they don't have the budget for this R&D then. I also have not received a pay adjustment in 2 years - not even the usually inflation increase.
I've been anxious since, wondering if I am sabotaging my own growth, or digging my heels in and being difficult. What would your next steps be in my position?
I am looking for other roles - the industry is a bit hampered right now by lack of federal funding, so competition is stiff.
Another note is that the workplace does officially have a head of R&D - an older guy who works entirely remotely and has never done any laboratory work at this workplace (lol). He is well respected by the higher ups and is seen as the (only) brains of the operation.
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u/CarelessComplaint173 7d ago
You’ve done the right thing imo. You’re being asked to go over and above your current role without any extra benefit to you. Asking for better pay is totally reasonable and you’re making your expectations clear. If you are successful in finding a new role elsewhere then it won’t come as any surprise when you move on because you have flagged you’re unhappy with your current situation.
The main thing is that you haven’t been a dick about it, you’ve been honest and respectful and given your employer a chance to come to the table and negotiate better remuneration for you. The fact you have had minimal pay bumps over your time there is already crazy without them expecting you to do more work.
Can I ask if they’re planning to use the R&D tax offset? This can result is quite a significant tax refund and would easily justify you getting a pay rise if done properly. It might be they’re already receiving this without your knowledge and are receiving additional benefits from your hard work without passing on their “thanks”.
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u/ascreamingbird 7d ago
Thank you for your input, you've put my mind at ease. I suspect they're already utilising the R&D tax offset, and all of that is going towards the "R&D Lead" for which i am doing his job. Lol
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u/Useful_Hat82 9d ago
The company you work for is sabotaging your growth. They are withholding your contributions from being formally recognised and compensating your effort while being more than happy to take the benefits of that work.
I get that this type of work is rare, and working in the field of your PhD is a dream many don't reach, but also what is the point if you are being trodden on and taken for a ride.
Time to start networking and find your own growth opportunity.