Fredston Lab: Postdoctoral Scholar

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, Git Hub, 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.