There is a chance science mode is just broken. RP-1 includes a mod called “Kerbalism” which completely reworks how science works in the game, and I think they are primarily focused on Career mode. I’ve only tried it in Career and Sandbox mode. In particular, the mechanic of integration, where build/rollout time and costs are impacted by tooling which is purchased with funds (which don’t exist in science mode).
Shit is so slow :( Only reason I don’t play it more. It has to read like 8GB of game files to memory before you even hit the main menu.