resume

Alejandro Gomez Espinosa Ph.D.

alefisicosocial@gmail.com. Personal website. Linkedin profile. Currently in Quito, Ecuador.

As a data-driven scientist with extensive experience in experimental physics and a proven track record of success at CERN, I possess a unique combination of analytical and communication skills. My expertise lies in analyzing and interpreting petabyte-scale datasets using advanced statistical tools, including machine learning algorithms, to drive innovative research and generate actionable insights. Throughout my career, I have honed my ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including thousands of stakeholders, through written and oral presentations. As I transition to a new career path, I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to tackle new challenges and drive success in the field of data science.

Skills

  • Programming languages: Python, C++, Bash, SQL, R, LaTeX.
  • Technical tools: Pandas, Numpy, Scipy, Jupyter-notebooks, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Bigquery, Matplotlib, Seaborn, Docker, Kubernetes, Tidyverse, ggplot2, Linux, Git, Spreadsheets, Tableau.
  • Machine Learning: Regression, Classification, Feature engineering, Data Scraping, MC Methods.
  • Soft skills: Lead and collaborate with multicultural groups of 20+ people in person and remotely. Communicate results to 500+ stakeholders in conferences and write scientific peer-review documents.
  • Languages: English (fluent), Spanish (Native).

Professional Experience

Data Scientist, CERN-CMS Experiment (2011 – Present)
  • Built an academic career over a decade as part of a team of 2000+ stakeholders in one of the CERN experiments, representing three different institutions.
  • Designed and optimized over five multi-class C++/Python frameworks to analyze petabyte-scale data and simulations, resulting in significant acceleration of processing times from weeks to days.
  • Authored and co-authored over five peer-reviewed scientific publications.
  • Leadership Experience:
    • Jet Algorithms Convener (2019-2021) - Directed and led a research group of over 20 stakeholders, successfully coordinating with competing partners to produce and publish reports.
    • Trigger Subgroup Convener (2016-2017). Coordinated the deployment of real-time data filters for a research group consisting of more than 30 stakeholders.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant, ETH Zurich (2018 – 2022)
  • Managed the development of two machine learning-based techniques, which were trained in simulations and implemented in data, with the aim of enhancing the filtration of rare theoretically predicted phenomena. The successful implementation of these techniques resulted in a 10% increase in filtering efficiency.
  • Recognized and investigated two underexplored research areas and developed innovative strategies to address them, resulting in the publication of scientific research papers.
  • Oversaw the completion of three Ph.D. and two master’s-level final projects as a supervisor.
Research Assistant, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey (2012 – 2018)
  • Conducted feasibility studies of novel theoretical models and implemented new data-driven techniques to estimate predictions, resulting in the authorship of two scientific publications.
  • Optimized signal-to-background discriminant variables, achieving a 20% improvement over previous results.
  • Conceptualized, designed, and deployed three real-time data collection filters, optimizing the probability of capturing scarce yet significant data for the first time.
Visitor Research Student, Fermilab (2011 – 2012)
  • Implemented a novel analysis framework using C++ and multivariate techniques, specifically boosted decision trees, to study the production of rare theoretical models for the first time.
  • The results obtained during this internship program were incorporated into my bachelor’s project and contributed to a published research paper.

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Experimental Particle Physics. Rutgets, The State University of New Jersey - USA. (2012-2018)
  • Bachelor of Science, Physics. Escuela Politecnica Nacional - Ecuador (2007-2012)
  • Continuous Education:
    • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate - Google (Coursera, 2022)
    • Deep Learning Specialization - Deep Learning.AI (Coursera, 2022)
    • Sport Performance Analytics Specialization - U. Michigan (Coursera, 2021)

Additional information

As an Ecuadorian citizen, I require support with obtaining a work visa for relevant job opportunities.