New Jefferson Lab Director Will Soon Assume Research Reins
Veteran physicist to guide Newport News-based facility for nuclear and accelerator science
The U.S. Department of Energy has appointed physicist Jens Dilling as the new director of the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab), effective June 30, 2025. Dilling brings more than 20 years of experience in scientific leadership at major national and international research facilities.
Dilling most recently served as the associate laboratory director for neutron sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where he oversaw the High Flux Isotope Reactor and Spallation Neutron Source. His work at ORNL included expanding the lab’s research in quantum information science and materials science, as well as leading scientific planning for the Second Target Station, a $2 billion DOE project.
“I’m honored to join Jefferson Lab at such an exciting time,” said Dilling. “The lab has an extraordinary legacy in nuclear physics and accelerator science, and I look forward to working with its exceptional staff to advance discovery, innovation, and excellence in operations in service of the nation’s scientific mission.”
Prior to his tenure at ORNL, Dilling spent over two decades at TRIUMF, Canada’s national particle accelerator center, where he played a key role in building a leading isotope science program. He holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Heidelberg and is a fellow of the American Physical Society as well as a DOE Oppenheimer Leadership Fellow.
Sean J. Hearne, president and CEO of the Southeastern Universities Research Association and chairman of the Jefferson Science Associates (JSA) Board of Directors, praised the appointment: “Jens is an outstanding scientist and leader whose vision and experience make him the ideal person to guide Jefferson Lab into the future.”
Dilling succeeds Kimberly Sawyer, who is stepping down after serving as director since August 2024. During her tenure, the lab achieved key milestones, including advancing the MOLLER experiment, aimed at probing the structure of matter, and commissioning a new accelerator module, the Gray Enid I, which increases energy efficiency. Sawyer was recently recognized by Coastal Virginia Business Magazine as one of the region’s most influential leaders.
Jefferson Lab is one of 17 national laboratories overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy. Located in Newport News, Virginia, it is home to the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF), which supports the work of more than 1,650 scientists worldwide. The lab’s mission includes exploring the atomic nucleus, developing advanced technologies, and supporting education and outreach in science and technology. Jefferson Science Associates, LLC manages the lab on behalf of the DOE.
A Newport News Daily contributor produced this post using AI and these sources:
Jens Dilling appointed as new director of U.S. Department of Energy’s Jefferson Lab
Jefferson Laboratory: Lab Overview
Jefferson Laboratory: Lab Mission