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[macias]

I have recently been offered a TT position in a research school I would be very happy to pursue.  My wife (also a postdoc in the same field) will conclude her postdoc appointment next fall (2012).  Interestingly, the department offering the TT position is also pursuing possibilities for my wife for a future TT (fall 2012).  At the current situation (understandibly so) they cannot say for sure until the Dean agrees to a closed interview session after which they can make a final decision.  Normally, we would be very happy to give this option our best, however....

I have also been offered a position in industry (mature biotech, not considered one of the powerhouses but not a start up).  The location is a hotbed for other biotech companies.  The  company is only giving me a few days to accept the position (I have already extended the deadline for a week).

Here is my dilemma....
My wife and I both want an academic position.  I am worried if I accept the academic TT position and she is not offered a second TT position, she may end up becoming life-long postdoc in my lab.  The location of the TT position unfortunately do not have much alternative employment opportunities for her (almost zero industrial opportunities).  I am willing to sacrifice losing the TT position and accept the position in industry.  This way, we can both pursue industry positions (sacrifice TT) but avoid the inevitable role of one spouse becoming a lab tech for the other.  My current advisor expressed extreme disappointment regarding a road to industry (enough to possibly burn bridges).  We have a few days to decide but completely uncertain what to do....

any comments, advice, similar experiences with consequences of your decision would be helpful.  thanks

[hegemony]

If you take the TT job now, and she tries for a TT job at your new institution down the line, and doesn't get it, couldn't you both head into industry at that point?  Or is going into industry a now-or-never opportunity?

[macias]

If the TT position does not pan out for her and I have been in a TT position for 1-2yrs, (will be 40-41 yrs old).  Should I worry about how my CV will be perceived if I apply again in industry?  I have also been given a 2yr salary for a technician to help start up my lab, what will happen with their employment, if I leave before during before or during 2nd year?  What do I tell future graduate students expressing interest in my lab?  I am worried about all the collateral damage due to leaving the department.

My wife is in early 30's and actually more competitive for industry.  This is not a do or die situation for industry.  I am only concerned about perception of a person coming from academia.  Are people in industry concerned about age or an independent researcher's ability to work in a group setting...

thanks for pointing out an obvious option,
sometimes I wonder how I have been able to fool whole departments that I am good scientist :)