Eric Lander quits as Biden’s top science adviser after bullying investigation

Joe Biden's top science adviser, Eric Lander, resigned on Monday, hours after the White House confirmed an internal investigation found credible evidence he mistreated his staff. It was the first cabinet-level departure of the Biden administration.

An internal review prompted by a workplace complaint found evidence Lander, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and science adviser to Biden, bullied staffers and treated them disrespectfully.

The White House rebuked Lander but signaled he would be allowed to remain, despite Biden's inauguration day assertion that he expected "honesty and decency" and would fire anyone who showed disrespect to others "on the spot".

Biden's press secretary, Jen Psaki, said Biden accepted Lander's resignation with "gratitude for his work at OTSP on the pandemic, the Cancer Moonshot, climate change, and other key priorities".

Lander, in his resignation letter, said: "I am devastated that I caused hurt to past and present colleagues by the way in which I have spoken to them. I believe it is not possible to continue effectively in my role, and the work of this office is far too important to be hindered."

The White House said Biden did not request Lander's resignation. Earlier, Psaki said senior officials met Lander but indicated he would be allowed to stay in the job, saying the administration was following a "process" to handle workplace complaints.

"Following the conclusion of the thorough investigation into these actions, senior White House officials conveyed directly to Dr Lander that his behavior was inappropriate, and the corrective actions that were needed, which the White House will monitor for compliance moving forward," she said.