Hello, I hope someone can give me some advice, I lurk mostly but do post the odd time. I finished my PhD a few months ago, am looking for a job now, but in the meantime have been offered some work as a research assistant by a lecturer in the university where I did my PhD. So far so good. The trouble is that the research project that I have been recruited to work on is very badly designed, really there are so many holes in it, an undergraduate would see the obvious flaws in the methodology.
Therefore, I spent a lot of time writing e-mails pointing out these problems and suggesting solutions and improvements. However I might as well be talking to the walls. The concerns that I bring up are dismissed by the lecturer (BTW I have never worked with this person before), and worse still she tells me that "the literature" says she should do it her way, yet when I have asked her for some references to "the literature" I get no response. In fact, "the literature" suggests no such thing, I know this because I read an awful lot about this area for my PhD, and really the way this project is being handled is completely unprofessional.
My question is, what should I do next? I feel like withdrawing from the project as I don't want to be associated with something that I don't feel proud of.
BUT
I don't want to make an enemy (I know that sounds over-dramatic, but I'd rather not have someone pissed off at me, also, people talk to each other, and I don't want to get a reputation for being unreliable). Also there's only a couple of weeks work involved and I really do need the money.
Any advice?

Hmm, it's difficult... Can you do it both ways, her way and the right way? The hopefully she might change her mind once she sees the results?

If not, I don't see what you can do except do what she tells you if you need the money.

Thanks for your help. The project is in three parts, and Part 1 is now complete. I asked a senior (in fact, now retired) colleague for advice. He was shocked when I explained the design flaws, but advised that since I had made a commitment to do the work I should continue and complete Part 1. He further advised that I should then withdraw from the project, giving my reasons. I did so, and got a very rude e-mail back telling me that the problems were all on my side and to do with my lack of ability [sigh], but I am just so relieved to be done with it. I worry that some day she'll be sitting on an interview board, but I can't live my life like that.

Hey shoulder,

I think you did the decent thing to withdraw from this project. Hope you get a new job soon and get out of the poverty that comes with doing a PhD.

It is not uncommon to find papers that lack robust methodology, perform sloppy statistical analysis, and still get published and make a big impact!