Postdoc in Evolutionary Genomics, UC Berkeley 1-2 NIH-funded postdoctoral positions are available in Doris Bachtrog's group at UC Berkeley. The details of the project are flexible, but should fall within the general interests of the lab. Current research focuses on using cutting-edge genomic and molecular techniques to study sex chromosomes, heterochromatin, transposable elements, meiotic drive, aging and speciation in insects. For more information on current research, see: https://bachtroglabberkeley.wordpress.com/ Candidates must have a background in either Drosophila molecular genetics and genomics (including transgenics) or must have solid programming and bioinformatics skills. Our group shares newly renovated office space with the groups of Rasmus Nielsen, Monty Slatkin and John Huelsenbeck, and strong intellectual ties, including weekly meetings, with other research groups at the Center for Theoretical Evolutionary Genomics at UC Berkeley (cteg.berkeley.edu/). Potential projects in the lab include 1 Toxic Y chromosomes: Y chromosomes of many organisms contain large numbers of transposable elements (TEs) that are transcriptionally constrained by repressive chromatin marks. When relieved of these epigenetic modifications, many TEs can readily move from one genomic location to another (toxic Y chromosomes). What are the phenotypic and evolutionary consequences of toxic Y's? 2 Sex chromosome drive and amplified genes: Sex chromosome drive may be common in nature but short-lived due to the quick invasion of suppressor alleles. Can we identify cryptic sex chromosome drive systems by scanning sex chromosomes in Drosophila for the footprints associated with known meiotic drive elements, and rigorously validate and characterize them using functional genomic, transgenic and cell biology approaches? 3 Sex chromosome evolution in insects. The evolution of differentiated sex chromosomes (e.g., X and Y or Z and W) from ordinary autosomes has occurred many times in animals and plants. Can we establish general principles underlying the evolution of sex chromosomes and the molecular mechanisms across the most speciose group of animals on earth? UC Berkeley has a world-class community of evolutionary biologists using genomic approaches spanning the Department of Integrative Biology, the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, the Center for Theoretical Evolutionary Genomics, the Center for Computational Biology, the Integrative Genomics Institute, and more. The city of Berkeley and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area is known for its progressive values, vibrant social and cultural scene, and beautiful surrounding environment. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and relevant experience along with their CV and contact information for three references to Doris Bachtrog (dbachtrog@berkeley.edu) This position is open until filled, but applications will be reviewed starting two weeks after this posting. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Doris Bachtrog UC Berkeley https://bachtroglabberkeley.wordpress.com/ Doris Bachtrog (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)