Ocean Sciences University of California, Santa Cruz in United States

Position overview
Position title: Fredston Lab: Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee
Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC salary scales set the minimum pay based on the individual’s Experience Level , which is determined by the number of months of postdoctoral service at any institution. See the salary scale titled, Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee /Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow / Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct -Fiscal Year . A reasonable estimate for this position is $69,073-79,881.
Percent time: Full-time (100%)
Anticipated start: As soon as October 1, 2026 but no later than January 1, 2027. Degree requirements must be completed by September 30, 2026, for employment effective October 1, 2026, and beyond.
Position duration: Maximum Duration of Service in a Postdoctoral Title : Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are full-time and the initial appointment is for a minimum of two years, with the possibility of reappointment. The total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at any institution.

Application Window

Open date: October 17, 2025

Next review date: Tuesday, Dec 16, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Saturday, Oct 17, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Dr. Alexa Fredston in the Department of Ocean Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Scholar. The selected candidate will statistically integrate multiple datasets to predict the movement dynamics of humpback whales in California across spatial and temporal scales, leveraging cutting-edge hierarchical Bayesian modeling approaches.

The Fredston Lab uses large datasets, theoretical models, and a range of statistical tools to predict marine ecological responses to global change. This is one of several ongoing projects in the lab focused on near-term ecological forecasting of marine species. In addition to leading this research project, the postdoc will also have opportunities to write grants, join collaborations, engage with natural resource managers and conservation practitioners, and work with graduate and undergraduate students. The Fredston Lab is a highly cooperative work environment, thus the ability to consistently demonstrate excellent communication skills; successfully collaborate with faculty, researchers, and students; and contribute to a supportive and inclusive professional culture are essential components of the position.

Expertise in hierarchical Bayesian modeling and in ecology, as demonstrated via coursework, independent research, and published papers, are necessary prerequisites for this position. Applicants with any or all of the following areas of expertise or experience are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Taken advanced courses in modeling, statistics, and/or data analysis;
• Proficiency in at least one open-source programming language, such as R or python;
• Experience scripting custom Bayesian models, for example in Stan or Rcpp;
• Experience with software development and/or collaborative coding;
• Proficiency with Git, GitHub, and version control;
• Commitment to open science principles, such as code review and data sharing;
• Familiarity with data and observations available for monitoring whales, e.g., acoustic surveys, visual surveys, photo databases, and tagging data; and/or
• Experience leading independent research projects and writing papers, and a record of first-author publications (commensurate with experience) in related topics.

Candidates who possess some but not all of the above areas of expertise are still encouraged to apply.

The Fredston Lab : https://www.alexafredston.com/

Ocean Sciences Department : https://ocean.ucsc.edu/

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in earth, environmental, biological, chemical, physical, or social sciences; engineering; mathematics, statistics, or a related discipline. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of the appointment (rather than at the time of application). It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed by September 30, 2026.
• Demonstrated experience in ecology and in hierarchical Bayesian modeling.

Application Requirements
Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include the names and contact information for a minimum of three (3) professional references. The hiring unit will contact the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.

• Cover Letter - Please include a brief (one-page) cover letter describing your qualifications for and interest in this position, including relevant educational background, research experience, and professional preparation. Here or in your CV please include a link to your GitHub account if you have one.

Apply link: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF02003

Help contact: [email protected]

About UC Santa Cruz

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at [email protected] or (831) 459-4602.

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report . This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check . The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530 .

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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Job location
Santa Cruz, CA