system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
More perspectives wanted: Choosing postdocs and balancing a dual-career/two body problem

**Background:** I am a new ST**E**M Ph.D. who is in a relationship with another new **S**TEM Ph.D., Partner (they/them/their pronouns). I defended this semester; Partner defended last. I am a mildly successful scientific researcher more known for my STEM education and diversity initiatives. My partner is an extremely successful early career researcher in their field who has successfully landed a great 2yr industry postdoc that fulfills all of their short term goals (professional development, supportive environment, indication of being able to stay on post-contract, a regular work schedule, etc.). 
I have a definite wish for a faculty-academic position whereas partner values stability and tentatively likes the industry environment so far (all of 1 week in), though definitely enjoys teaching. We're currently working on the assumption that after 2-4 years here (depending on how jobs work out) my career will take precedence, moving where needed for me to secure a faculty position as long as it's anywhere my partner could find a position in their rather flexible industry.

Partner's job is in a geographical location where me finding a position is not difficult, but it may not necessarily be the absolute ideal. I am currently evaluating 3 types of positions and would appreciate it if any STEM faculty members could provide insight into what might make one type of position better on a CV (and for what type of institution) over another. Or if any of the positions would be definitely detrimental even if I followed-up with a second postdoc. And for those who have navigated the two-body problem, what your opinions are at all.

**Position A:** A postdoc at the local R1 working for a PI in a field that is doing work I find mildly interesting, but would not necessarily fit my current research agenda. Opportunities posted now but also possibly open in the future as well. Distance from Partner: none

**Position B:** A 1-year postdoc in an R1's Center for Teaching focused on STEM education and Teaching, which provides opportunities to be instructor of record on classes (not a current skillset) and do formal education research, which I attempted independently as a graduate student. Distance from Partner: 1hr commute, but able to live at "home."

**Position C:** Absolute research "dream" postdoc directly in my field at an amazing institution. Fellowship is also limited to 1 year. Distance from Partner: 9hrs. 
Similar research-intensive positions are possible but also between 2.5-9hrs away and vary in reputation. 

Note: I'm my entire committee's, and advisor's, first Ph.D. graduate. In hindsight I would have chosen at least one person with experience to help me navigate this process but at the same time I would never replace their support and mentoring. Therefore I turn to you. You might hear from me frequently in the next month or two.

**TL;DR: I am in a two-body relationship where my partner has secured an excellent position. I'm trying to figure out if any of the positions I am looking at will have unforeseen (or larger than foreseen) consequences on my hopeful career as a faculty member or my highly valued relationship.**
gpt
The problem with picking 1 or 2 is that in 2- 4 years when it's your turn to choose, your CV will be weaker for it and your choices more limited. In theory, it sounds good to put your career on the back burner to support your partner and so you can live with them. In practice, your CV will be compared to your peers who did take the dream option 3 and have the cutting edge research, in line with their PhD research, publications and recommendations from well known professors to bolster their applications. And your partner will be up for promotion in his current position. Maybe you've bought a really nice house. And suddenly it's never really a good time for your career to take precedence. 

I say take option 3 because you already know that professionally, it is the best route to take.