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.
Senior Data Scientist (AI-assisted Clinical Development)
$142K - $264K *
Bring your expertise to drive AI/ML-powered digital solutions that transform medicine development. Collaborate across teams to build innovative tools, ensuring ethical impact and compliance in a regul...
Reposted 2 days ago
Data Scientist, 2027 Graduate U.S.
$124K - $162K *
Join a team that's transforming data into actionable insights, driving pivotal decisions across product and business realms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and inn...
3 weeks ago
Data Scientist, 2027 Graduate U.S.
$103K - $162K *
Optimize data analysis and experimentation strategies, partnering with cross-functional teams to derive actionable insights from extensive datasets, enhancing product innovation and business decision...
3 weeks ago
Data Scientist, Bioengineering
$130K - $155K *
Unlock the potential of data in synthetic biology by developing advanced data-analysis pipelines, collaborating with experts to derive insights from complex biological data and drive innovation in com...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Data Specialist (Data Analytics Developer II)
$77K - $113K *
Unlock the potential of student data by transforming complex datasets into actionable insights. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance student success initiatives through data analysis, modeling...
2 weeks ago
Director, AI Solutions Strategy & Planning
$206K - $261K *
Accelerate the commercialization of AI-driven solutions by leading strategy and planning efforts. Collaborate cross-functionally to define go-to-market frameworks, enhance retailer experiences, and dr...
1 week ago
Director, AI Solutions Strategy & Planning
$234K - $247K *
Join a dynamic team to shape AI-driven solutions for retailers, defining go-to-market strategies and driving cross-functional collaboration to enhance product offerings and market impact...
1 week ago
Director of Data Management and Business Intelligence
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining enterprise data management across aviation operations, driving data governance, analytics, and decision-making to enhance performance, compliance, and operational readine...
4 weeks ago
Senior Manager, AI Program Management
$130K - $190K *
Join us to build a robust AI program management function, driving strategic initiatives and ensuring successful delivery across complex AI projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translat...
2 weeks ago
Head of AI and Data Science Foundation
$212K - $333K *
Pioneer transformative AI initiatives, driving strategic direction and execution across the enterprise. Collaborate with stakeholders to embed AI solutions, ensuring alignment with business goals and...
2 weeks ago
Lead Security Analyst (DLP/DSPM)
$94K - $134K *
Champion the identification and mitigation of human-centric cyber threats. Leverage your 5-7 years of security expertise to enhance data protection strategies and build a robust security posture throu...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Lead Security Analyst (DLP/DSPM)
$94K - $134K *
Empower your career as a Lead Security Analyst focused on mitigating human-centric cyber threats. Collaborate with a team of experts to enhance security measures, assess risks, and safeguard sensitive...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$170K - $185K *
Champion the development of scalable data platforms, leading cross-functional initiatives and enhancing AI-assisted analytics. Collaborate with teams to drive technical direction and improve system pe...
5 days ago
Platform Services Lead, Data & AI
$147K - $213K *
Empower your career by leading the transformation of Data, Analytics, and AI platforms. Oversee a multidisciplinary team to enhance governance, streamline developer experience, and drive sustainable A...
1 week ago
$50K - $500K *
Lead pioneering research efforts to enhance agent reliability and performance. Build a high-impact team, design rigorous experiments, and transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions alongside...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, New Verticals Agentic Foundations
$167K - $246K *
Drive innovation in machine learning by enhancing agent performance and launching new solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize models and deliver impactful products for a growing...
1 week ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, New Verticals Agentic Foundations
$167K - $246K *
Shape the future of agentic experiences by optimizing machine learning models, enhancing agent performance, and driving innovative solutions for Merchants and Dashers. Collaborate with cross-functiona...
1 week ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, New Verticals Agentic Foundations
$167K - $246K *
Transform agentic experiences by optimizing LLM-based agents, enhancing performance through eval-driven loops, and launching innovative solutions for Merchants and Dashers, while collaborating with cr...
1 week ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, New Verticals Agentic Foundations
$167K - $246K *
Join a team that's redefining agent development by enhancing LLM-based agents. Drive improvements in quality, cost, and reliability while launching innovative solutions for Merchants and Dashers, impa...
1 week ago
Sr Data Scientist, BNPL Credit Risk Oversight
$130K - $193K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of credit risk management by developing advanced data science models. Collaborate across functions to ensure portfolio integrity and drive best practices while me...
Today
Sr Data Scientist, BNPL Credit Risk Oversight
$130K - $193K *
Advance analytical oversight of Buy Now Pay Later products, ensuring effective credit risk management and strategic alignment. Collaborate across functions to implement data science solutions and upho...
Today
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Applied Intelligence
$220K - $292K *
Shape the future of maritime defense by designing and deploying AI solutions for factory operations. Leverage your expertise to transform inspection processes into efficient AI workflows, enhancing pr...
Yesterday
$120K - $265K *
Lead the design and implementation of a secure, scalable data platform, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive data architecture and governance strategies while advising senior leadership...
6 days ago
$119K - $179K *
Support the integration and harmonization of clinical data by designing FHIR-compliant models and pipelines, ensuring data accuracy and usability for patient care and research initiatives across the o...
2 weeks ago
Senior Staff Applied Scientist, Time Series & Demand Forecasting
$150K - $180K *
Lead the scientific direction for our forecasting platform, guiding teams to enhance demand forecasting accuracy and scalability. This hands-on role requires deep expertise in time-series analysis and...
3 days 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.