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.
Member of Technical Staff, Discovery Applications
$130K - $160K *
Lead the charge in developing transformative applications that empower scientists to streamline decision-making in drug discovery, from target identification to validation and optimization across dive...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Data Scientist - Omaha, NE.
$140K - $175K *
Transform the future by leading the design and deployment of innovative Generative AI applications. Drive AI/ML projects from ideation to production, ensuring robust solutions that enhance operational...
1 week ago
$168K *
Advance your career by implementing AI and machine learning models. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive data-driven decisions and enhance business intelligence through innovative solution...
3 weeks ago
Director, Analyst, Data Management for AI and Agentic Use Cases(Remote US)
$148K - $175K *
Join a team of industry leaders to provide actionable insights in Data Quality, guiding clients through complex challenges and delivering high-quality research, presentations, and support. Help shape...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Scientist, Modeling Applications
$125K - $160K *
Join us to shape the future of ocean-based CDR research by developing and applying advanced modeling systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance ocean alkalinity and drive impactful scientific...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Data Reporting and Analytics
$209K - $271K *
Drive strategic data-informed decision-making by leading analytic initiatives that support finance and health plan leaders. Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting to enhance operational effi...
Yesterday
Clinical AI Technical Integration Specialist
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by driving technical integration and validation for Ambient AI Scribe initiatives. Collaborate with clinical teams to enhance workflows, troubleshoot issues, and ensure operational re...
2 days ago
$140K - $155K *
Lead and inspire a team of data engineers to design, build, and maintain robust data pipelines and operational data stores, ensuring high standards in data quality, security, and performance while dri...
5 days ago
Machine Learning Engineer, Core Experimentation
$130K - $160K *
Empower innovation as you design and implement ML systems for insights generation. Drive the technical roadmap, enhance experimentation capabilities, and collaborate with teams to improve decision-mak...
3 weeks ago
Artificial Intelligence Senior Associate
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in shaping and enhancing AI governance frameworks, ensuring compliance and risk management across the AI lifecycle while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enable responsible...
2 weeks ago
$176K - $220K *
Drive product strategy and enhance customer experiences by leveraging data insights. Collaborate across teams to design experiments, analyze performance, and influence product roadmaps, fostering a st...
1 week ago
Senior Data Scientist, Engine Infra
$221K - $263K *
Contribute to optimizing game-server efficiency and reliability by defining metrics, visualizing data, and driving cross-functional collaboration for impactful decision-making in real-time interactive...
3 weeks ago
Director, Scientific Statistical and Data Coordinating Center
$125K - $150K *
Join a pioneering team to lead complex multi-center clinical trials, ensuring successful implementation and data management. Collaborate with external and internal stakeholders to expand research init...
4 weeks ago
$135K - $180K *
Lead data-driven mission support by applying AI/ML techniques, developing Python automation, and collaborating with diverse teams to adapt to evolving mission requirements effectively...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Technical Manager- C3I DCGS
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of defense systems engineering. Leverage your extensive experience to manage technical processes, ensure compliance, and drive innovation in weapon systems develo...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at our organization by leading a team of data scientists to develop scalable machine learning solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive analytics initiatives and enhance da...
3 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by leading a team of data scientists to develop scalable machine learning solutions, collaborating with stakeholders to drive analytics initiatives and enhance organizational data cap...
3 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Elevate your career by leading a team of data scientists to develop scalable machine learning solutions. Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to drive analytics initiatives and enhance organi...
3 days ago
(USA) Principal, Data Scientist
$110K - $220K *
Empower data-driven decision-making by leading high-impact analytics initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable ML solutions, validate outcomes, and translate complex dat...
2 weeks ago
(USA) Principal, Data Scientist
$110K - $220K *
Lead high-impact data science initiatives, converting complex business challenges into actionable insights. Collaborate with AI teams on causal inference, advanced modeling, and decision-ready solutio...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
(USA) Principal, Data Scientist
$132K - $264K *
Unlock potential by designing advanced AI/ML solutions that enhance risk intelligence and compliance governance. Collaborate across functions to deploy scalable strategies that drive measurable outcom...
4 weeks ago
(USA) Principal, Data Scientist
$132K - $264K *
Join a team that's harnessing advanced AI/ML to transform risk intelligence, driving scalable solutions that enhance security and compliance. Collaborate across disciplines to tackle complex challenge...
4 weeks ago
(USA) Principal, Data Scientist
$132K - $264K *
Engineer advanced computer vision solutions to drive AI capabilities across business functions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance detection, classification, and deployment of scalable...
4 weeks ago
(USA) Principal, Data Scientist
$132K - $264K *
Pioneer cutting-edge AI solutions in computer vision that enhance security, compliance, and operational efficiency. Collaborate with diverse teams to create reliable and scalable models for impactful...
4 weeks ago
Lead Data Scientist - Network Planning and Design (applied ML, optimization, simulation)
$132K - $286K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of supply chain strategy through advanced analytics and decision science. Drive impactful modeling and cross-functional collaboration to optimize network planning...
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.