Frequently Asked Questions about The Berggren Center

At the most microscopic level, everything is quantum mechanical -- including biology. ...but quantum sensing involves using these microscopic quantized states to report on their surroundings. Preparing specific quantum states can be hard -- they are exquisitely delicate and sensitive to their environment. ...but this is exactly why they make such incredible sensors.

We understand the chemistry of living things, and we understand the macroscopic organisms. ...but if you look in any biology text, you will find cartoons of membranes, organelles, synapses, and ion channels. The 1-100 nanometer scale is incredibly hard to observe in vivo. On top of that biochemical mechanisms often amplify signals that depend on the binding of a single molecule or motion of just a few ions. Quantum sensing promises to provide both the sensitivity and the context to map individual motions of charges and binding of individual molecules in vivo and with the needed spatial context.

Many of the most interesting scientific questions arise at the boundaries between traditional disciplines. While collaboration can address some of these, scientific fields converge when the questions demand that scientists with diverse expertise work side-by-side in the laboratory. Indeed, this close working relationship will be crucial for enabling quantum sensing for medicine. Physicians, engineers, physicists, biologists, quantum information scientists, and theoretists will all have to work closely together to realize this vision.

We are always looking for bold, creative, and driven scientists at all career stages. For postdoctoral opportunities, please reach out to PIs individually. For faculty, please reach out to the Directors or PIs to explore collaborative opportunities. For potential undergraduate and graduate students, please apply to any of the programs listed on our apply now page. We encourage all students to apply.