Třebíč, Vysočina, Czechia
I have built my career in the highly demanding environment of nuclear power plant operations, progressing from secondary circuit and turbine operator to licensed nuclear reactor operator and ultimately Block Shift Supervisor, directly responsible for the safe operation of an entire nuclear unit. These roles required exceptional technical expertise, personal stability, decisiveness under pressure, and the ability to lead and coordinate teams in both normal and emergency conditions. After years of first-hand operational experience, I transitioned to the regulatory side as part of a Technical Support Organization (TSO) for the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB), providing independent expertise, safety analyses, and technical support for regulatory decision-making. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to continuous learning, discipline, and uncompromising nuclear safety – combining practical operational insight with a broader regulatory perspective.
Promoted to lead an independent division within the Technical Support Organization for the State Office for Nuclear Safety in the Section of the Deputy Director for Nuclear Safety SÚRO. I continue to be actively involved in expert work while also managing and guiding a team of specialists. Responsibilities include: - Leadership and supervision of staff working on nuclear safety analyses, research, and international projects. - Direct involvement in technical assessments, safety evaluations, and regulatory support for SÚJB. - Cooperation with departments of the Deputy Director for Nuclear Safety. - Development of the knowledge base in line with current science and technology. - Participation in competitive calls for grants (Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, Ministry of the Interior – security research, EURATOM). - Coordination of international commercial projects. - Research activities in the field of radioactive waste management. This position combines hands-on technical expertise with management and team leadership, always with nuclear safety as the top priority.
Transitioned from plant operation to the regulatory environment, joining a Technical Support Organization providing expertise for the national nuclear regulatory authority. Focused on technical analyses, safety assessments, and independent evaluations supporting regulatory decision-making. This role leveraged my hands-on operational experience and expanded it into a broader perspective on nuclear safety, oversight, and compliance. National Radiation Protection Institute (SÚRO) Technical Support Organization for the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB), the central authority of state administration responsible for exercise of regulatory activities in the peaceful utilisation of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation and in the field of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Progressed to the senior control room position of Shift Supervisor, leading the team of reactor and turbine operators in the main control room and bearing direct responsibility for all activities on a nuclear power plant unit during the shift. Accountable for safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the reactor, turbine, and all supporting systems, including coordination of maintenance, response to abnormal conditions, and implementation of emergency procedures when required. This managerial role required exceptional leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to maintain full situational awareness in complex and dynamic conditions. Oversight included both technical performance and team communication, ensuring strict adherence to nuclear safety regulations and defense-in-depth principles. As the highest authority on shift, I was ultimately responsible for the safety of the entire unit and its personnel.
Advanced to a licensed control room position with direct responsibility for the safe operation of the nuclear reactor and primary systems. Operated from the main control room, ensuring strict adherence to nuclear safety regulations, defense-in-depth principles, and radiation protection standards. Required resilience under stress, decisiveness, and the ability to react quickly and accurately in abnormal or emergency conditions. Regular full-scope simulator training and licensing examinations by the national nuclear regulatory authority ensured continuous professional development. Discipline, precision, and seamless teamwork were essential in maintaining the highest safety standards.
Started my career in the main control room in a position that required nearly two years of demanding theoretical and practical preparation and one of the most selective entry processes, with only a small fraction of applicants succeeding. Responsible for operating and supervising the secondary circuit and turbine systems, supporting safe and reliable plant operation. The role demanded personal stability, the ability to make quick and precise decisions under pressure, strong teamwork skills, and commitment to continuous training and regular requalification – always with nuclear safety as the top priority. NPP Dukovany has four production units with pressurized VVER 440 water reactors, model V 213. The thermal output of each of the four reactors is 1444 MWt.