Well, then your response could be summed up as "there's really nothing to do here." In which case, since the lab holds all the other cards, and shows no sign of

Well, then your response could be summed up as "there's really nothing to do here." In which case, since the lab holds all the other cards, and shows no sign of changing course, the only valid recourse would be for the candidate to make this issue as visible as possible to all potential employers, including names and everything. Assuming that there is no consensus to be reached between her and the lab, let the other parties come to a conclusion after learning both sides. After all, not saying anything about this to a potential employer, knowing what they will hear from the lab, would be kind of self-defeating in the literal sense, no?