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 / Staff Machine Learning Engineer, Applied AI
$180K - $298K *
Unlock innovative AI solutions by enhancing machine learning models for customized scientific applications. Collaborate across teams to bridge the gap between research and engineering, ensuring optima...
Reposted 5 days ago
Senior / Staff Machine Learning Engineer, Applied AI
$180K - $298K *
Transform customer-specific scientific workflows by applying your expertise in post-training and evaluation of ML systems. Collaborate with AI researchers and software teams to enhance model quality a...
Reposted 5 days ago
ML Ops Engineer - Agentic AI Lab (Founding Team)
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping intelligent infrastructure through ML Ops. You will automate model training and deployment, manage lifecycle operations, and ensure governance and security for AI applicatio...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Engineer, Analytics Platform & AI
$125K - $150K *
Engage with us to architect and lead full-stack development of our analytics platform, embedding AI for improved insights. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance performance, scalability, and secur...
3 weeks ago
Lead Engineer, Analytics Platform & AI
$130K - $155K *
Drive the evolution of an AI-enabled analytics platform by leading full stack development, embedding machine learning capabilities, and guiding a talented engineering team to deliver innovative insigh...
3 weeks ago
$148K - $222K *
Partner with cross-functional teams to analyze data, build models, and drive insights that inform business decisions. Engage in exploratory analysis and implement algorithms to enhance operational eff...
5 days ago
$195K - $222K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data, design experiments, and implement algorithms, driving insights that inform business decisions and enhance product performance...
5 days ago
$113K - $212K *
Explore a leadership role in Advanced Analytics, managing teams to develop and implement analytical products globally. Collaborate across functions to drive strategy and ensure high-quality deliverabl...
2 weeks ago
Senior Staff Applied Scientist
$159K - $324K *
Shape the future of eCommerce innovation by designing scalable ML systems to enhance counterfeit detection, optimize operations, and drive data-driven decision-making through advanced machine learning...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior/Principal ML Scientist, Translational Biology
$268K - $384K *
Transform therapeutic intervention assessments by developing systems that integrate human data and mechanistic models, evaluating clinical programs for efficacy and alignment with biological evidence...
Reposted 5 days ago
Associate Director (US), Commercial Data Platforms
$153K - $192K *
Join a team that's redefining commercial data and analytics strategies, driving cloud modernization, and enhancing operational excellence to support business growth and innovation across multiple ther...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Advance your career by leading a dynamic Media decision sciences team, driving growth through data-driven media strategies, and optimizing marketing effectiveness across various channels while mentori...
6 days ago
$143K - $199K *
Shape the future of AI fluency in the organization by driving enablement initiatives, collaborating with leaders, and leveraging insights to build confidence in AI usage across teams, ensuring skilled...
3 weeks ago
$143K - $199K *
Drive AI fluency across the organization by developing enablement plans, partnering with leaders, and adapting resources to empower coworkers in leveraging AI effectively in their daily work...
3 weeks ago
Senior Data Scientist II, Monetization
$183K - $216K *
Take ownership of the scientific and product roadmap for monetization, leading audience creation and measurement methodologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product strategy and in...
1 week ago
Forward Deployed AI Engineer - Enterprise AI Architecture & Responsible AI
$174K - $204K *
Lead the charge in architecting and operationalizing enterprise-scale AI systems, combining hands-on engineering with strategic advisory. Collaborate with clients to design innovative AI solutions tha...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to lead design and optimization of enterprise security controls. Focus on guarding data and networks utilizing advanced Palo Alto solutions while collaborating across various techn...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower our team by providing expert human capital management advice, implementing strategic personnel policies, and analyzing workforce data to enhance organizational effectiveness and support missio...
Today
Director of Data and Analytics
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in shaping our data and analytics architecture, driving governance and strategy. Collaborate closely with teams to transform data into actionable insights, ensuring quality and trust i...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform data into actionable insights by leading innovative data science projects. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance workflows and develop advanced algorithms, ensuring impactful results for...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in transforming data into actionable insights by designing and implementing advanced machine learning models and statistical analyses. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance workflow...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate the data infrastructure at Precision AI by architecting robust data pipelines and managing data quality, enabling efficient machine learning model training and business analytics. Shape how da...
4 weeks ago
Data Scientist - PhD required - onsite Dallas, TX
$110K - $130K *
Drive data-driven decision-making by applying predictive analytics and machine learning techniques. Collaborate with teams to enhance business performance through data integration and analysis, ensuri...
2 days ago
Principal, Data Governance Platforms
$149K - $224K *
Shape the future of data governance by leading the design and implementation of enterprise platforms that ensure data integrity, quality, and compliance across the organization, while collaborating wi...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Explore a senior leadership role driving innovative solutions for national security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technical strategies, influence key decisions, and shape transform...
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.