Post-doctoral position - University of Texas San Antonio =96 Evolutionary and Developmental Genomics Description: The Evolutionary & Developmental Genomics (EDGe) lab (https://www.anti-sense.org) at the University of Texas San Antonio combines experimental and computational approaches to study the evolution of genetic conflicts in the germ line, molecular mechanisms underlying sex chromosome drive, and the developmental processes that are compromised as a result of the activities of selfish genetic elements. We foster an environment of collaboration and mentorship, offering opportunities to develop new skills and pursue independent ideas that align with the lab's mission. Project Focus: The successful candidate will investigate the consequences of meiotic drive on male gametogenesis and fertility in Drosophila. The project leverages multiple non-model Drosophila species to uncover the molecular and developmental mechanisms underlying gametic dysfunction, and the consequences of sex chromosome meiotic drive, which leads to impaired segregation of sex chromosomes and reduced fertility/infertility. Recent publications relevant to the proposed project: 1. Vedanayagam J. Small-RNA-mediated suppression of sex chromosome meiotic conflicts during Drosophila male gametogenesis. 2025. Biochemical Society Transcations 53(1): 281-291 2. Vedanayagam J., Herbette M., Mudgett H., Lin C., Gunasinghe H., McDonoug= h- Goldstein C., Dorus S., Loppin B., Meiklejohn C., Dubruille R., Lai E.C. 2023. Essential and recurrent roles for hairpin RNAs in silencing de novo sex chromosome conflict in Drosophila simulans PLoS Biology 21(6): e3002136 3. Vedanayagam J., Lin C., Papareddy R., Nodine M., Flynt A., Wen J., Lai E.C. 2023. Regulatory logic of endogenous RNAi in silencing de novo genomic conflicts PLoS Genetics 19(6):e1010787 4. Vedanayagam J., Lin C., Lai E.C. 2021. Rapid evolutionary dynamics of an expanding family of meiotic drive factors and their hpRNA suppressors Nature Eco. & Evol. 5(12):1613-1623 Responsibilities: A successful candidate will conduct genetic crosses in Drosophila and perform genomic and transcriptomic analyses to characterize drivers and suppressors of meiotic drive. Key responsibilities include conducting research, contributing to manuscript preparation and dissemination of results at conferences, participating in regular lab meetings and journal clubs, and working independently while mentoring junior researchers. Additionally, excellent written and oral communication skills are a plus! Required qualifications: Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Developmental Biology, or related field. Demonstration of research productivity with first-author and contributing author manuscripts is highly valued. Furthermore, bioinformatics skills are highly preferred (especially R, but also Python or other relevant languages). Please contact Jeffrey with a cover letter describing your research experience and interests, a CV including publications, and contact information for 2-3 references. The position is open till 8/18/2025 or until a suitable candidate is identified on a rolling basis. Salary: This is a grant-funded position, and the salary range is based on the NRSA stipend levels stipulated by the National Institutes of Health, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a full-time position with an initial appointment of one year, renewable annually based on performance and funding availability. Contact: Jeffrey Vedanayagam Assistant Professor Department of Neuroscience, Developmental And Regenerative Biology Faculty affiliate: School of Data Science University of Texas San Antonio https://www.anti-sense.org Email: jeffrey.vedanayagam@utsa.edu Jeffrey Vedanayagam (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)