Emerging Technology Experts

CRDF Global; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Part time

Job summary

CRDF Global is seeking Emerging Technology Experts in Arlington, VA, focusing on dual-use research and advanced technologies. The role involves providing strategic consultation and crafting technical reports to safeguard research against misuse. Ideal candidates will have significant hands-on experience in governance, risk management, and compliance alongside technical expertise in areas like quantum research and AI. The company offers opportunities to shape policies that enhance research integrity and security across various sectors.

Qualifications

• Experience in dual-use technology governance.
• Strong understanding of export control regimes.
• Proven track record in applied technology fields.

Responsibilities

• Engage in consultative activities for various projects.
• Craft technical reports for proposal responses.
• Provide strategic consultation to partners.

Skills

Quantum Information Sciences

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Aerospace Engineering

Education

Advanced degree in relevant field

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

Job Title: Emerging Technology Experts

Location: Arlington, VA 22201 US (Primary)

Job Type: Consultant

Category: Other

Career Level: Experienced (Non-Manager)

Travel Required: 25-50%

Narrative Overview

CRDF Global is looking to deepen our bench of experts in support of the Emerging Technologies portfolio which addresses U.S. and partner‑nation priorities to safeguard dual‑use research and advanced technologies from misuse, diversion, and exploitation by adversaries. Experts will be engaged in a consultative manner in activities ranging from one‑off strategic consultation calls to crafting technical reports serving as a technical expert for project implementation or proposal response.

This program is focused on addressing and mitigating exploitation and exfiltration of dual‑use research, data, and technology in academia, the private sector, and during collaborations by adversarial entities and governments. In alignment with NSPM‑3 and U.S. export control regimes (e.g., EAR, ITAR, Wassenaar), CRDF Global programming develops institutional resilience and strengthens technology governance across partner regions.

Experts in this portfolio will ideally combine specific technical expertise with applied experience in capacity building, policy development, and security assistance. Current demands include:

• Space technologies in the Western Hemisphere (WHA) and East Asia & Pacific (EAP), where growing commercial and government investment creates both opportunity and security risk.
• Quantum research in Europe (EUR), where collaborative research environments intersect with export controls and IP protection challenges.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the EAP and EUR regions, where R&D activities intersect with U.S. intellectual property (IP) and funding.

Core Technical Domains

Experts are sought in the following areas (including but not limited to):

• Quantum Information Sciences
  • Quantum computing, quantum sensing (quantum radar, metrology), quantum communications (QKD), algorithmic and cryptographic security.
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
  • Frontier models (large language models, foundation models), adversarial AI, AI red‑teaming, ethics and safety, AI applications in cyber defense and critical infrastructure.
• Astronautics & Space Technologies
  • Satellite communications, navigation, launch infrastructure, space situational awareness, commercial space applications.
• Aeronautics & Aerospace Engineering
  • Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), hypersonics, propulsion systems, dual‑use aerospace components.
• Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
  • Nanomaterials, additive manufacturing (3D printing), composites, rare earth elements, advanced coatings.
• Microelectronics & Semiconductors
  • Chip design (EDA tools), lithography, fabrication, packaging and assembly/test, semiconductor supply chain integrity.
• Other Priority Dual‑Use Sectors
  • Neuroscience, smart city infrastructure risks (risk of surveillance back‑doors), energy storage, robotics, photonics.

Cross‑Cutting Security and Governance Domains

In addition to the above core domains, experts should also demonstrate experience in one or more of the following:

• Research Security Policy Development – Experience helping governments or universities draft internal SOPs, policies, and compliance frameworks for research integrity and security.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Protection – Experience implementing policies and procedures to safeguard patents, trade secrets, and proprietary technology.
• Due Diligence and Compliance – Experience screening for foreign influence, malign partnerships, and predatory contracts.
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Systems – Designing institutional systems that track compliance and due diligence processes across projects.
• Enterprise Risk Management for R&D – Applying structured risk methodologies (ISO 31000, NIST RMF) to research and technology programs.
• Insider Threat Program Development – Implementing behavioral analytics, reporting mechanisms, and response plans.
• Conflict‑of‑Interest (CoI) & Foreign Affiliation Analysis – Identifying participation in adversary talent programs, predatory conferences, covert affiliations.
• Export Control & Technology Transfer Compliance – Helping partners to implement controls in compliance with ITAR, EAR, and Wassenaar in practical research/industry contexts.
• Secure Contracting & Legal Review – Reviewing agreements for predatory clauses, developing model MoUs, ensuring enforceable protections for technology transfer.
• Physical and Personnel Security – Identifying gaps in access controls, personnel reliability programs, insider threat mitigation, laboratory/facility hardening and helping partners redress gaps.
• Data Governance & Sovereignty – Managing sensitive research data (including controlled unclassified information) across borders.