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[superabound]

I've recently received an offer for a tt position at a R1 institution and after the offer I raised the issue that my wife has a PhD and is an active researcher in search of a tt position (perhaps with a bit more emphasis on teaching than research). The institution at first was not hopeful and then a bit hopeful. Today they informally made their offer. A VAP position at 25% time (tiny money for a course per semester) with vague language that my wife could ingratiate herself with the department and ultimately land a tt position in that department. But, there is no line open (we think) and the department is in the process of finding a new Chair (so promises aren't coming and probably wouldn't survive the change in Chairs).

We don't really have much leverage, so ultimately we'll probably take it and see what happens. But, it feels like they're not doing much for us and really are asking my wife to work hard for the prospect that maybe in the future something better will happen. Is this pretty normal? Do universities often write these things into offer letters?

I know it can be pretty bleak for couples and we appreciate what we've got (we've worked a LONG time to get it).

[englitprof]

Unfortunately, what you describe is indeed pretty typical.  It would be wise for your wife to stay on the market.

[prof_tournesol]

This was almost precisely my situation with my first job. My partner was offered a VAP with the promise that something might become available. Lacking better options, we took that and then we both went on the market again the next year in a very public manner (ie. we asked the Dean for reference letters). As soon as we both received interviews at the same (better) school a line for partner miraculously opened up.

I would say that being very open helped us gain leverage, but we were very confident of receiving new offers so we played things more cockily than might be wise in a tougher job market.

[superabound]

Things have been clarified a little. They doubled her salary (from insulting to less insulting) and made it clear that they're offering only one year guaranteed and that money is coming from the Dean. With the money coming from the Dean, we are guessing that it is less likely that the department will want to extend the arrangement or move it towards tt unless next year we have more leverage or they simply love my wife.

[prof_tournesol]

And you. They have to still love you, so you need to maintain that "new professor smell" for as long as possible.