A friend writes:
Both my wife and I are currently late into our postdocs, and would both like to have independent positions (classic two body problem). ... How hard is it for two people to find [faculty / research positions] in the same city in India? Do institutes have policies against hiring spouses?
Within the two-body problem, my friend's case is still more special: his wife and he are also in the same STEM field (but in different sub-fields).
In large cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad, which boast multiple STEM institutions (universities and R&D labs), this problem is less acute. But, even in such a case, I can think of reasons (horribly long commute times for one partner, for example) that would make it necessary for both partners to be working in the same place.
I am sure there is no written policy against hiring spouses at any of our institutions. But, ...
How receptive are our institutions to the idea of hiring spouses? What vibes do you get on this issue?
Which is a better course of action for a couple to take: be upfront about the fact that both spouses are applying, or apply as individuals and hope that both will make it to the same place?
[Of course, if the second option is chosen, how does one deal with personal questions -- we all know there are always personal questions, don't we?]
Are there institutions (and specific departments within them) which are known to be couple-friendly -- going either by recent recruitment history or by (internal) discussions among their faculty / administration?
It'll be great if you can share your experiences / information / suggestions on these and other related questions. You can use the comments section below, or send me an e-mail (I'll post a summary of e-mail responses in the comments).
Many thanks in advance.
[Update: Post edited to (a) improve clarity and focus on constructive discussion, (b) add a link to NPNI's post.]
