New ORNL ALD for neutron sciences is 'Taylor-made' for the job
After more than 25 years of experience in condensed matter physics, as a student, researcher and in high-ranking executive roles at neutron scattering sources around the globe, Jon Taylor brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments to his new position as Associate Laboratory Director for the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer announced Jan. 9 that Taylor had been promoted from Neutron Scattering Division Director to his new role leading two world-leading neutron scattering facilities, the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR).
HFIR is the highest flux reactor-based neutron source in the U.S. and SNS is the world's most intense pulsed accelerator-based neutron source. Together these facilities operate 30 instruments for neutron scattering research in the physical, chemical, materials, biological and medical sciences. HFIR also provides unique facilities for isotope production and neutron irradiation.
"Jon takes the reins at NScD with 25 years of experience and a global reputation for leading data-driven research projects, with expertise spanning neutron science, scientific computing, research data management and AI technology," Streiffer said in his announcement.
Taylor said he had worked more than a decade in neutron scattering at ISIS Neutron and Muon Source in the UK, then had the opportunity to move to the European Spallation Source in Sweden as a group leader. He was later promoted at ESS to Head of the Neutron Scattering Systems Division and the Data Management and Software Centre.
"It was a great opportunity. There's a need for leadership with hands-on experience at these very complex organizations," he added.
Taylor's background has long included an emphasis on applying scientific computing to his research.
"The first experiment I ever did, my supervisor was not very familiar with computers, and though at the time I was still far from being a computer expert, at least I knew how to use FTP—a basic internet file transfer protocol," added Taylor. "Somehow that made me invaluable!"
Over the years, Taylor's computing expertise has grown considerably and Taylor says this has greatly complemented his other competencies, from the science side to software and the engineering side. "Now scientific computing seems even more important, because artificial intelligence is such a transformative thing that is emerging and the way we manage data is just as important as anything else."
In 2022, Taylor joined ORNL's Neutron Sciences Directorate as the program manager for Neutron Data and Computing before assuming the role of Neutron Scattering Division director in June 2023.
During this time, not only has artificial intelligence continued to emerge as a significant scientific focus, the role of neutron scattering studies of quantum materials has also gained in importance.
"When I started my Ph.D., it was called magnetism, and it's now called quantum materials. These materials really fascinate me. There is a fascinating connection between the structure and symmetry of the materials and their electronic structure.
"The lab has this rich and long history in materials science all the way back to the Manhattan Project. ORNL remains a leader in materials science, including quantum materials, which is one of the administration's priorities. There's an understanding now that quantum computers are transformative, and that we need to scale them up," added Taylor.
ORNL researchers labwide are working to do so as part of the Department of Energy Quantum Science Center, headquartered at ORNL.
"ORNL as a whole is looking at quantum materials. There may be a route to scaling quantum computing from a materials standpoint toward developing a different way of making the quantum computer components called qubits. That's what a group of our scientists are trying to develop at the SNS and HFIR, which are two key tools in our toolbox," said Taylor. "They will soon be joined by the Second Target Station to help us sustain the U.S. as the world leader in materials science in general, and quantum materials in particular."
When asked about how he'll work with HFIR, Taylor said he is very aware that the reactor facility is an essential component of the lab's mission critical role in the DOE Office of Isotope R&D and Production. The DOE IP is at the forefront of developing and producing radioactive and stable isotopes for use worldwide, as well as for many of the medical and other isotopes supporting national security.
"My experience in neutron scattering started with my Ph.D. experiments performed at the Institute Laue–Langevin, which is a reactor-based neutron source in France. You could say I grew up doing polarized triple-axis and diffraction experiments using reactor-generated neutrons.
In describing his managerial style, Taylor says, "My door is always open. I believe in open, transparent management. If people need to talk about things, I'm straight with them. I have a track record of making decisions. I don't like pushing things off into the future. I like to get things done. Progress has to be made."
An avid road cyclist, Taylor belongs to the ORNL Cycling Club and also rides with the West Bikes club. He enjoys a wide variety of new and classic country music and has played the drums since he was 16 years old—but says he can't play them at home because they can be heard throughout his neighborhood. During the COVID pandemic, he taught himself to play guitar.
He and his wife, Emma, have two children: James, 18, a senior in high school, and Lilia, 13, who will be entering high school this year.
HFIR and SNS are DOE Office of Science user facilities.
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for DOE's Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
Provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory
