Post‑Doctoral Research Associate

Czech Technical University in Prague

September 2024 – September 2025 · Prague (CZ)

Led key aspects of the analysis culminating in the first \(5.0\sigma\) observation of top–antitop production in heavy-ion collisions. Responsibilities included optimising signal regions, implementing a profile-likelihood multi-fit strategy across various models, and maximising sensitivity in the dilepton final state with high-purity \(t\bar{t}\) reconstruction. Leveraged cross-collision expertise from \(pp\) , \(p+\mathrm{Pb}\), and \(\mathrm{Pb}+\mathrm{Pb}\) datasets to refine selection and systematics. Ensured analysis reproducibility by preparing HEPData submissions, promoting transparency and reusability by the global theory community.

Other responsibilities included:

• Contributed to ATLAS software validation efforts, focusing on b-tagging performance in high-occupancy environments
• Acted as the ATLAS bJet/ID/MinBias signatures expert-on-call and online coordinator during active data-taking periods
• Initiated Run 3 heavy-ion analysis efforts on \(\mathrm{Pb}+\mathrm{Pb}\) collisions, including early event selection and workflow development
• Led and participated in outreach activities, including public talks, student workshops, and science communication campaigns

Doctoral Researcher

Czech Technical University in Prague

September 2017 – September 2024 · Prague (CZ)

I completed my PhD within the ATLAS Collaboration, specializing in top-quark and Higgs boson measurements in heavy-ion and high-multiplicity proton-proton collisions. My work encompassed the entire data analysis pipeline—from developing statistical and simulation frameworks to disseminating results through international conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Key contributions during my doctoral research include:

Top-Quark Pair Production in p+Pb Collisions
Led the first observation of top-quark pair production in a heavy-ion environment at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 8.16\ \mathrm{TeV}$ with significance exceeding $5\sigma$. The cross-section was measured with a relative uncertainty of $9\%$, making this the most precise $t\bar{t}$ cross-section determination in nuclear collisions to date. I designed the profile-likelihood framework, managed systematic uncertainties, optimized fit variables, and contributed to pseudo-top reconstruction. This framework was subsequently adapted for Pb+Pb analyses. Results were presented at ICHEP 2024 and Diffraction \& Low-$x$ 2024, and published in JHEP 11 (2024) 101.

$t\bar{t}H$ and $t\bar{t}W$ Production in Multilepton Final States
Contributed to measurements using $80\ \mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ of proton-proton collision data at $\sqrt{s} = 13\ \mathrm{TeV}$, focusing on the same-sign dilepton plus hadronic $\tau$ channel. Led data-driven background estimation employing a fake-factor (ABCD) method, optimized multivariate discriminants, and supported framework and MC production development. Results were presented at ICHEP 2020.

Flavour-Tagging Calibration for LHC Run 2
Developed and maintained pseudo-continuous b-tagging calibration tools using $139\ \mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ of proton-proton collision data at $\sqrt{s} = 13\ \mathrm{TeV}$. Built validation and visualization utilities based on CDI files, enhancing consistency across ATLAS releases and analysis readiness.