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.
Data Scientist, M-Powering Teacher Coaching
$90K - $95K *
Develop innovative data-driven solutions to enhance math education through AI and machine learning. Collaborate with educators and researchers to analyze complex datasets, improve instructional tools...
2 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Machine Learning for Monetization (PhD)
$150K - $180K *
Invent cutting-edge solutions by leveraging Machine Learning to connect users with businesses, powering AI innovations across Meta's platforms and ensuring high-value experiences in the evolving digit...
3 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Machine Learning for Monetization (PhD)
$150K - $180K *
Drive innovation by developing scalable ML solutions to enhance digital commerce for global businesses. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape advanced AI technologies, improving user connec...
3 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Machine Learning for Monetization (PhD)
$135K - $160K *
Discover innovative solutions by developing scalable Machine Learning classifiers and tools, collaborating closely across teams, and driving impactful research that enhances modern product development...
3 weeks ago
$175K - $200K *
Lead the design and deployment of end-to-end AI solutions, driving technical engagement with enterprise clients while managing multi-faceted projects and building trusted relationships across diverse...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Data Scientist - Causal Modeling & Experimentation
$100K - $130K *
Transform data into actionable insights by leveraging advanced analytics, causal inference, and predictive modeling. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize strategies and measure business...
2 weeks ago
$131K - $237K *
Join a team that's redefining training and education through AI-driven applications. This role combines data science, software engineering, and AI/ML integration to create scalable learning systems fo...
2 days ago
Distinguished Engineer, AI Threat Defense
$198K - $368K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity with innovative AI threat defense strategies. Drive technical excellence in a collaborative environment, enhancing detection and response capabilities against evolvin...
Reposted 4 days ago
Distinguished Engineer, AI Threat Defense
$198K - $368K *
Grow your career with a leading-edge role focused on AI threat defense strategies and monitoring, enhancing cyber resilience against evolving AI-driven cyberattacks through innovation and collaboratio...
Reposted 4 days ago
Distinguished Engineer, AI Threat Defense
$198K - $368K *
Help us enhance our AI threat defense strategy and response capability, driving technical architecture and hands-on engineering within a senior technical role that balances influence and mentorship ac...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior AI / ML Product Manager
$143K - $222K *
Support the development and execution of enterprise-wide AI/ML strategies, engaging cross-functional teams to prioritize investments and deliver impactful outcomes, while enhancing governance and adop...
Reposted 6 days ago
Associate Director Clinical Data Management Program Lead
$157K - $256K *
Elevate your career by leading clinical data management activities across programs, ensuring quality and timelines while collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders to drive impactful results in...
Yesterday
Associate Director Clinical Data Management Program Lead
$157K - $256K *
Transform clinical data management by leading strategic initiatives across programs, ensuring quality and efficiency while collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders to drive impactful results...
Yesterday
Associate Director Clinical Data Management Program Lead
$157K - $256K *
Lead the strategic management of clinical data activities, ensuring quality and timelines while collaborating with teams and vendors to drive impactful results in a fast-paced, science-driven environm...
Yesterday
Associate Director Clinical Data Management Program Lead
$157K - $256K *
Drive the success of clinical data management deliverables, ensuring effective communication, oversight of timelines and budgets, and mentoring team members while maintaining high standards and readin...
2 days ago
Associate Director Clinical Data Management Program Lead
$157K - $256K *
Champion the success of clinical data management deliverables, ensuring effective communication, oversight of timelines and budgets, and mentorship of team members while driving best practices and reg...
2 days ago
Associate Director Clinical Data Management Program Lead
$157K - $256K *
Join a dynamic team to lead clinical data management deliverables, ensuring program success through proactive communication, expert guidance, and effective resource management while mentoring team mem...
2 days ago
Associate Director Clinical Data Management Program Lead
$157K - $256K *
Lead and inspire the success of clinical data management deliverables, ensuring adherence to standards and best practices. Collaborate with teams to manage timelines, budgets, and quality metrics whil...
2 days ago
Principal AI/ML Engineer (Large Language Model) (TS/SCI) {S}
$150K - $180K *
Advance artificial intelligence initiatives by leading a diverse team to develop cutting-edge AI/ML algorithms across various domains, including natural language processing and object detection. Drive...
3 weeks ago
Principal AI/ML Engineer (Large Language Model) (TS/SCI) {S}
$180K - $210K *
Transform your career by leading a talented team to innovate AI/ML algorithms across diverse domains, leveraging advanced techniques to deliver impactful solutions to complex challenges for various cl...
3 weeks ago
Principal Computational Biologist
$170K - $230K *
Advance therapeutic discovery by leading analytical frameworks for in vivo perturbation data, driving target prioritization, and collaborating with disease experts to enhance translational efficacy ac...
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
$125K - $295K *
Lead the charge in executing strategic data partnerships to enhance media ecosystems. Drive innovation and align global strategies with local execution, fostering collaboration to transform marketing...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team as a Data Science Manager, leading innovative analytics projects. Drive insights from complex datasets, mentor talent, and implement best practices to solve business challenges and...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to lead data analysis and reporting for quality improvement projects. Utilize advanced statistical techniques and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance and enhance hea...
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.