Silvia Zorzetti

Principal Researcher & Manager, Quantum Technology | Fermilab · SQMS · Northwestern

Greater Chicago Area

About

Principal Researcher and Manager at Fermilab, driving high-impact research in quantum information science, quantum computing, and sensing. Leading multidisciplinary teams across National Lab, academic, and industry partnerships to advance quantum technology. IEEE Senior Member | DOE Early Career Awardee | Thrust Leader at SQMS | Adjunct Faculty at Northwestern University.

Experience

  • Fermilab (9 yrs 5 mos)
    • Deputy Head of SQMS Division
      Nov 2025 - Present · 8 mos

      Providing strategic and operational leadership for the Fermilab quantum information science programs. Overseeing cross-functional teams of scientists, engineers, and technical staff, including strategic planning, program execution, and workforce development.

    • Thrust Leader, SQMS Architecture and Use-Cases
      Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

      Direct cross-institution technical priorities across 15 partner organizations and ~100 collaborators advancing architectures and software for SQMS 3D superconducting QPUs based on qudit controls. Oversee full stack quantum computing from low-level RF to applications. The project includes automated calibration, end-to-end compiler, and integration of noise modeling and classical-quantum error mitigation techniques.

    • Principal Engineer
      Aug 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 11 mos

      Senior researcher and project leader at Fermilab designing, developing, and overseeing complex systems across quantum computing and particle physics. Lead the design of SRF cavities for quantum computing and sensing, the commissioning of a photonic laboratory for quantum transduction, and software development for automated calibration and end-to-end compilation.

  • Fellow - Marie Sklodowska Curie at CERN
    Apr 2014 - Jan 2017 · 2 yrs 10 mos

    Awarded a European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship in the PACMAN innovative doctoral network, researching nanometer-scale alignment of accelerator components for the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC). Designed and built a dedicated testbench for testing accelerator beam position monitors using an innovative RF technique, supported by extensive RF and numerical simulations. Results exceeded initial specifications. Provided technical direction for procurement, mechanical design, and quality measurements across a multicultural international collaboration at CERN. First of 10 fellows to graduate. Doctoral thesis centered on large-scale data analysis and visualization.

  • Research Intern at Northwestern University
    2014 - 2016 · 2 yrs

    Joined the CMS international collaboration alongside doctoral research, developing low-latency FPGA firmware for particle physics applications. Implemented shorter data formatting and smart filtering techniques, enhancing single-board bandwidth to 1 GS/s.

  • Secondment at National Instruments
    May 2015 - Aug 2015 · 4 mos

    The PACMAN network included more than 20 institutions between industrial and academic partners. I spent a 3-month period at the National Instruments Corp. in Debrecen (Hungary). I tested their products for my testbench. I also gave insights for FPGA programming strategies of their digitizers and presented my proposal to their R&D department in Austin (US).

  • Intern at CERN
    Feb 2013 - Dec 2013 · 11 mos

    Design and development of electronics for RF systems, using analog and digital techniques in the Beam Equipment Department, RF Feedback and Beam Control section (BE-RF-FB).