That feeling of something being rotten at the core, even it though looks okay to the external world, really sucks. I had it once, too. I looked up at the ceil

That feeling of something being rotten at the core, even it though looks okay to the external world, really sucks. I had it once, too. I looked up at the ceiling and asked myself, "What am I doing here?" I was out a few weeks later, and have never regretted the decision. I think that given that you're only a year in, you should switch labs if at all possible. You should look around at other projects in your vicinity, and evaluate the vibe of the people working on them, using your newfound experience. Go to group meetings if you can. Do you see the cast of characters you're seeing in your current environment (politicos, slackers, and friendly ignorami)? Or do you see neat, intense people, working quietly in a deep way on problems that interest them? When you've identified a new lab you might like to join, pitch your transition as a surge of interest in the new area, not as discontent with your old lab. You likely do not have enough demonstrated accomplishment to bring to the table to make the new lab want to take the risk of bringing on a malcontent. This approach will also keep you from intentionally or inadvertently burning bridges with people in your old lab, some of whom are likely quite good people, who you will meet again in your field.