Postdoctoral Scholars - Harris Laboratory - Anesthesiology & Perioperative Care

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $69,073-$82,836. See Postdoctoral Salary Scale Table for the salary range for this position.

Application Window

Open date: May 1, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Apr 30, 2027 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

Our research team is looking for postdoctoral scholar(s) interested in studying the neurobiology of chronic pain and its response to complementary and integrative therapies such as shamanic drum music. A primary interest is in the underlying neurobiology of music and its relation to chronic pain as assessed by electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG). The position is fully funded, and the scholar will work closely with Dr. Richard Harris and the team on mechanistic neurobiological outcomes as well as indigenous shamanic drum music. This position particularly focuses on examining shamanic drum music as it relates to changes in brain and heart function. The projects in this lab typically employ advanced analytical EEG/ECG methods in both small and large databases with studies relating to clinical symptoms.

Our research group prioritizes a collaborative and inclusive team environment. The principal investigator is an experienced mentor who is highly committed to supporting the postdoctoral scholar in advancing their career as a future independent investigator. The postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to both lead and contribute to research projects. The Harris lab regularly collaborates with researchers across disciplines and institutions.

This postdoctoral scholar position will be based in the UCI Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Care and the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute at UC Irvine. Trainees from any discipline who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicant can have their PhD (or equivalent) at the time of application or be working towards their PhD (or equivalent).

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Applicant must have their PhD (or equivalent) conferred by start date.

Preferred qualifications

Demonstrated experience with indigenous drum music and a doctoral degree in music is highly preferred. Prior analysis of neuroimaging data, specifically EEG and ECG would be helpful but not required. In particular, experience in EEG hyper scanning studies and an interest in chronic pain disorders is welcomed.

Lab: https://profiles.icts.uci.edu/richard.harris

Unit: https://ssihi.uci.edu/

Department: https://www.anesthesiology.uci.edu/

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter - Cover letter describing relevant experiences, interests, and goals

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Contact information for 3 references