Giardino Lab: Circuits & Systems Neuroscience
Our research group aims to decipher the neural mechanisms underlying the interactions between psychiatric conditions of addiction, stress, and sleep disturbances. The Giardino Lab uses in vivo physiological tools for neural recording and neuromodulation in genetic mouse models to dissect the neuropeptide basis of extended amygdala circuit function in motivated behaviors with molecular and synaptic resolution. The lab, located in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences' Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, is currently accepting applicants for postdoctoral researchers.
Research Topics
- Stress & Reward
- Drug Addiction
- Sex Differences
- Wakefulness/Arousal
- Neuropeptide Release & Signaling
- Feeding & Metabolism
Research Approaches
- Neuromodulation (optogenetics, chemogenetics)
- Neurophysiological recordings (fiber photometry, calcium imaging, EEG/EMG)
- Neurogenetics (CRISPR/Cas9 editing, Cre/loxP recombination, viral gene transfer, mouse genetics)
- Neuroanatomy (circuit tracing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, confocal & light sheet microscopy)
- Neuropharmacology (alcohol & drug self-administration, receptor mechanisms)
- Computation (neural circuit modeling, machine learning analysis of behavioral & physiological datasets)
- Behavior and Evolution (rodent model organisms, cross-species comparisons)
- Translation (interdisciplinary and clinical collaborations, treatment development)
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in neuroscience/ psychology/ biology/ related field (or other doctoral degree with relevant research experience)
Excellent publication record (including first-author papers)
Enthusiasm for making new discoveries on the neural basis of behavior (stress, addiction, sleep/wake arousal states)
Computational expertise / programming skills (strongly encouraged but not required)
Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at Stanford (non-negotiable)
Required Application Materials:
Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter describing your interest in the position (1-2 brief paragraphs)
Contact info for 2+ references (name & email address)
Contact: willgiar at stanford dot edu