Chief Data Scientists shape how organizations use data, analytics, and artificial intelligence to make decisions and create business value. As senior executives, they set data science strategy, guide teams, and partner with leaders across the organization to turn complex information into measurable results. Explore vetted Chief Data Scientist (CDS) opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.
A Chief Data Scientist leads an organization’s data science vision and execution. Typical responsibilities include setting priorities for analytics and machine learning, overseeing data science teams, establishing standards for model development, and explaining findings to executives and stakeholders. Depending on the company, the role may also cover AI strategy, data governance, experimentation, and the development of data products.
Employers commonly seek extensive experience in data science, statistics, machine learning, or a related discipline, along with a record of leading teams and delivering business outcomes. Strong candidates combine technical judgment with executive communication, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Familiarity with responsible AI, privacy, data quality, and cloud-based data platforms can also be valuable.
Chief Data Scientists work across industries including technology, financial services, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and consulting. The position may be titled Chief Data Scientist, Chief AI Officer, VP of Data Science, or Head of Data Science, depending on the organization’s structure. These leaders often work closely with engineering, product, legal, and business teams.
Browse vetted professional opportunities for Chief Data Scientists and related data science leaders on Ladders. Discover roles with salaries of $100,000 or more, compare opportunities, and find a position that matches your leadership experience and career goals.
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in AI/ML initiatives that enhance student engagement and retention. Drive cross-functional collaboration to deliver predictive models and measurable outcomes, transforming data into ac...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform healthcare data solutions by designing scalable architectures, optimizing data pipelines, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-qu...
Reposted today
Data Scientist (Forward Deployed)
$125K - $150K *
Shape data-driven solutions by leveraging your expertise in machine learning and analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful insights and ensure seamless deployment in prod...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$114K - $252K *
Drive the development of advanced data pipelines in a cloud environment to centralize and govern critical data for national security operations. Lead a team in migrating legacy systems to modern solut...
4 weeks ago
Sr Director Analyst, Data Management for AI Enablement
$172K - $202K *
Champion innovative insights and strategies as a Senior Director, driving impactful research and analysis to empower clients globally. Engage with stakeholders to deliver actionable advice and elevate...
Today
Data Scientist, Project Success and Innovation
$114K - $140K *
Pioneer innovative solutions as a Data Scientist, driving advanced analytics and machine learning applications to enhance project success and economic opportunities across diverse teams and workflows...
6 days ago
$140K - $175K *
Empower scientific innovation by collaborating within product pods to develop and evaluate real-world evidence agents. Drive impactful research and ensure scientific rigor while partnering with indust...
3 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Innovate cutting-edge AI and Computer Vision solutions in a dynamic team. Collaborate with experts to optimize algorithms and deliver impactful geospatial insights. All experience levels welcome to ap...
2 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on advancing Geospatial AI. Collaborate with experts to develop cutting-edge solutions in AI and Computer Vision, transforming vast data into acti...
2 days ago
Data Scientist 5 - Media Science DSE
$372K - $500K+*
Partner with us to build a robust data science framework, transforming production and financial insights into strategic studio decisions, while enhancing operational efficiency and show management wit...
4 weeks ago
Lead Data Scientist, Telematics
$142K - $178K *
Drive innovation as a Lead Data Scientist I, balancing telematics modeling and data engineering to enhance pricing and underwriting strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impac...
3 weeks ago
Director, Forward Deployed Researcher - Data as a Service
$228K - $403K *
Transform your career by leading a dynamic team in AI solutions, driving technical excellence, and shaping strategic partnerships with frontier AI labs to tackle complex data challenges...
2 weeks ago
Applied Real World Data Scientist
$160K - $190K *
Unlock potential by leading data-driven insights to enhance patient access to medications. Collaborate with diverse teams to execute innovative analytics that inform health plans, improve medication e...
Reposted 3 days ago
Principal Data Scientist, Agentic AI Technical Lead
$150K - $180K *
Champion the technical vision for a comprehensive AI program, guiding multiple teams through complex challenges. Ensure high-quality delivery, set architectural standards, and collaborate with executi...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in guiding cross-domain AI and data initiatives, while designing seamless data pipelines and empowering teams to deliver actionable insights and scalable data products for maximum busi...
4 weeks ago
Senior/Staff Machine Learning Data Scientist
$150K - $180K *
Transform healthcare by developing and deploying advanced ML models that enhance real-world efficacy. Collaborate with clinical and engineering teams to enable data-driven decision-making and deliver...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining scientific data management in drug discovery. Lead the scientific data team, bridging scientists and engineers to ensure data integrity, quality, and innovative solutions...
2 weeks ago
Applied Data Scientist – Performance Management & AI Solutions
$87K - $157K *
Innovate solutions by leveraging data, AI, and analytics to enhance operational performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex challenges into actionable insights, driving m...
1 week ago
$164K - $205K *
Elevate scientific rigor in real-world evidence development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure agent conceptualization and evaluation meet scientific standards, driving impactful solut...
6 days ago
Data & Solution Architect (Databricks and Palantir Platforms)
$171K - $189K *
Deliver innovative data and AI solutions by architecting scalable systems, engaging with clients, and transforming complex challenges into actionable insights. Join us to drive impactful results in en...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock insights by leading data-driven sales forecasting initiatives, analyzing trends, and developing robust models to influence strategic revenue decisions while collaborating with cross-functional...
4 weeks ago
$171K - $214K *
Join us to lead the design and oversight of complex models driving customer lifetime value. Collaborate with engineers and business teams to enhance decision-making across marketing, finance, and prod...
3 weeks ago
Sr Director Analyst - AI Technology Economics
$172K - $202K *
Discover innovative insights into AI's economic impact. Leverage analytics and market dynamics to shape vital research while influencing industry leaders with cutting-edge strategies and actionable ad...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $170K *
Join a team that's transforming drug development through data science. Leverage your expertise to build predictive models and analytics, driving process improvements and technology transfer in a colla...
1 week ago
$154K - $181K *
Lead and optimize enterprise data platforms and Salesforce AMS, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security. Collaborate with stakeholders to align systems with organizational goals while managing...
Yesterday
What does a Chief Data Scientist do?
A Chief Data Scientist sets data science strategy, leads analytics and machine learning teams, and helps executives apply data-driven insights to business decisions. The role may also oversee AI initiatives, data products, and responsible data practices.
What qualifications are common for Chief Data Scientist jobs?
Employers typically look for deep experience in data science or a related technical field, leadership experience, and a record of delivering measurable results. Expertise in machine learning, statistics, AI, data governance, and executive communication is often valued.
How is a Chief Data Scientist different from a Data Science Manager?
A Data Science Manager generally leads a team or function, while a Chief Data Scientist typically sets strategy across the organization and advises senior executives. The exact scope varies by company.
Which industries hire Chief Data Scientists?
Chief Data Scientists are hired in technology, financial services, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, consulting, and other sectors that rely on analytics, machine learning, or AI.
What salary range can I expect for Chief Data Scientist jobs on Ladders?
Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Compensation varies based on factors such as industry, location, company size, and the scope of the role; review individual listings for salary details.