How to Identify Supportive PIs and Avoid Difficult Lab Environments

I have been a postdoctoral researcher for less than a year at an R1 university. I was recruited by my PI specifically for my experience, and I genuinely enjoy the research I’m doing. I am essentially the only person working on this project, and I’ve been making rapid progress—potentially completing what was originally planned as a four‑year project in just one year.
However, I’ve recently started feeling increasingly frustrated with my PI. She has limited experience in this specific research area, yet she tries to guide me in ways that often lead to unnecessary disagreements. Many of these conflicts arise because she doesn’t fully understand the technical details.
One of the main issues is that we have fundamentally different approaches to problem‑solving. I prefer to figure things out independently, which has made me a strong, self‑sufficient researcher. Asking others is my last resort. My PI, on the other hand, immediately turns to others whenever she encounters something unfamiliar. This has become her default habit, and when no one responds, she seems unsure how to proceed.
Because of this, she often pushes me to ask questions externally even when I don’t believe it’s necessary—sometimes even after I’ve demonstrated that I can solve the problem myself. As a result, I feel that she doesn’t fully appreciate how much effort it takes to make the progress I’ve made. Since she has seen rapid results, she now pressures me to finish the project even faster, citing competition. I also find odd that whenever she can’t find me at my desk, she insists on an immediate meeting.
I know it is very hard to change people.
My plan is to complete the project, publish the results, and then look for another position. I’m seeking advice from experienced postdocs: How do you identify good, experienced PIs and avoid toxic environments? Are national labs a better option? I’ve also been considering a transition to industry. What are industry postdocs like?
I appreciate any guidance.