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.
Sr Director Data Science - Remote
$159K - $273K *
Lead cross-functional teams to optimize financial systems, define product vision, and drive innovation through data-driven insights while managing delivery logistics and stakeholder collaboration for...
4 weeks ago
Staff Applied ML Engineer, Federal/National Security
$180K - $240K *
Architect and deploy advanced production AI systems for national security, leveraging LLMs and agentic workflows. Collaborate to create reusable solutions that enhance operational efficiency and relia...
4 weeks ago
Staff Applied Scientist, Personalization
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in AI and Machine Learning innovation, designing and deploying transformative models to enhance user experience, drive business growth, and improve operational efficiency collaborative...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Machine Learning Engineer - Central AI
$236K - $309K *
Join a team that's driving AI innovation by developing cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and frameworks that enable seamless integration across products and services, ensuring collaboration and...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Solution Architect, Professional Services - Agentic AI
$121K - $132K *
Engage as a key technical leader in enterprise AI/ML architecture, collaborating with clients to design scalable solutions. Drive AI development and deployment, ensuring alignment with business needs...
3 weeks ago
Director of Cyber Security Operations
$208K - $235K *
Join an enterprise-scale cybersecurity team leading operations, incident response, and risk management across cloud and hybrid infrastructures. This role drives innovation in security architecture whi...
3 weeks ago
Principal Data Scientist (Partial Telework)
$200K - $280K *
Unlock the potential of data as you lead advanced analytical projects, collaborating with experts to enhance mission-critical systems for government clients while driving innovation in machine learnin...
3 weeks ago
$199K - $276K *
Drive enhancements to our unsecured underwriting models through rigorous research and experimentation. Collaborate with engineering teams to translate findings into scalable solutions that improve cre...
6 days ago
$130K - $190K *
Drive the design and operation of robust AI systems, leading technical delivery and guiding teams in building high-throughput pipelines and production services that enhance customer engagement across...
4 weeks ago
$130K - $190K *
Shape the future of AI by building scalable AI agents that drive innovation across healthcare applications, fostering collaboration with diverse teams to implement advanced solutions and ensure operat...
4 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager - Identity Inventory, Correlation and Graph
$125K - $150K *
Champion the evolution of identity security by leading product management for our core identity graph and correlation services, ensuring seamless integration and access control across platforms while...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Data Scientist, leveraging AI and analytics to solve complex business challenges. Collaborate cross-functionally to build data-driven solutions that enhance decision-making an...
4 weeks ago
$105K - $163K *
Transform database environments by leading architecture and administration efforts across multiple platforms, ensuring compliance and performance for mission-critical applications in a dynamic, remote...
1 week ago
Associate Medical Director (RadScience)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the creation of impactful scientific content, enhancing medical education and patient outcomes. Collaborate cross-functionally, mentor writers, and drive excellence in heal...
2 days ago
$123K - $197K *
Transform the landscape of AI by architecting and optimizing cutting-edge LLMs while collaborating with diverse tech teams to innovate and enhance applications for performance and accuracy in resource...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$135K - $155K *
Drive innovation as you develop and deploy cutting-edge AI solutions that enhance advertising measurement products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to maximize ROI and shape technology at sc...
6 days ago
Data and AI Solution Architect
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in designing and delivering advanced data and AI solutions, focusing on scalable architectures and integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance enterprise client operations and...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Healthcare Data Scientist (Medicare/Medicaid)
$85K - $115K *
Lead advanced analytics initiatives to detect and prevent fraud in Medicare and Medicaid, leveraging expertise in data science and machine learning to drive impactful solutions alongside a team of pro...
3 weeks ago
$195K - $245K *
Champion AI strategy and implementation in healthcare, leading a team to deliver measurable value. Drive business development, client engagement, and practice growth while shaping innovative solutions...
1 week ago
Machine Learning Scientist, Multimodal AI
$124K - $171K *
Champion advanced machine learning techniques to develop multimodal AI systems in biomedical applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance personalized oncology diagnostics and im...
Reposted 1 week ago
Mission Director - Army NGC2 (FedD075)
$145K - $185K *
Champion new business opportunities by building relationships, shaping solutions, and leading contract execution within the Army sector. Drive portfolio growth while ensuring customer satisfaction and...
1 week ago
Lead Director - Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Engineering
$144K - $288K *
Transform your career by leading enterprise-scale AI/ML initiatives that enhance data engineering capabilities and operational excellence. Drive innovation, security, and compliance for impactful AI s...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
SENIOR KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ANALYST
$87K - $135K *
Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic Knowledge Management program that enhances IT support services, fosters collaboration, and drives efficiency for a large-scale enterprise environment. Make a...
3 days ago
$158K - $199K *
Unlock potential by leading global client strategies, driving growth and retention through trusted relationships and innovative solutions. Leverage your expertise to enhance client value and execute a...
1 week ago
$144K - $184K *
Lead the strategy execution for key global clients, driving client value, retention, and new business growth while cultivating trust-based relationships with senior leaders and maximizing account pote...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
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.