Postdoctoral Fellow - College of Sciences, Neuroscience Development & Regenerative Biology

Org Marketing Statement

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution specializing in cybersecurity, health, fundamental futures, and social-economic transformation. With more than 35,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service, and with an intentional focus on career readiness the university produces more graduates for the workforce than any other institution in the region. It is a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world. UTSA has been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UTSA Today or on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.

In 2024, the UT System Board of Regents authorized UT System to begin integrating UTSA and UT Health San Antonio into one unified institution, establishing a world-class university that integrates academic, research, and clinical excellence to build a profoundly impactful university of the future. Driven by a vision for growth and impact, this merger will expand capacity to offer robust undergraduate and graduate programs, attract top-tier faculty and staff, develop innovative initiatives, and elevate transdisciplinary research to address the evolving needs of the region.

Posting End Date: The review of applications will begin on August 15, 2025 and we will continue to review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Salary Range: $62,000-$70,000 annualized, commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.

Hours: up to 40 hours per week, exempt.

Full-time position for an initial term of 1 year, renewable based on performance and funding.

Required Application Materials:

• Cover letter describing your research experience and interests.
• CV including publications.
• Contact information for 2-3 references.

Essential Functions

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our laboratory, which focuses on evolutionary and developmental genomics, with a specific interest in the genetic conflicts that shape gametogenesis and fertility.

About Our Lab

Our lab 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.

This is a grant-funded position, which may be extended or shortened based upon availability of grant funds and/or work.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct genetic crosses and assays in Drosophila.
• Perform genomic and transcriptomic analyses to characterize drivers and suppressors of meiotic drive.
• Analyze data using bioinformatics approaches (e.g., differential expression, population genomics).
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and dissemination of results at conferences.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team of geneticists, evolutionary biologists, and bioinformaticians.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Developmental Biology, or related field.
• This position requires the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UTSA and its infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong experience with Drosophila genetics; familiarity with non-model Drosophila systems is highly valued.
• Genomics experience (e.g., library preparation, sequencing analysis).
• Bioinformatics skills are highly preferred (especially R, but also Python or other relevant languages).

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and mentor junior researchers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

For general enquiries of this position, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Vedanayagam at ...

Additional Information

• UTSA is a tobacco free campus.
• This is a security sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

Working Conditions

This position will be primarily located on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. UTSA campuses are accessible to persons with disabilities.