Explore Chief Scientist Jobs

Chief Scientists guide an organization’s scientific vision, research strategy, and technical innovation. These senior leaders help turn complex research into meaningful products, services, and discoveries while advising executives on scientific opportunities and risks. Explore vetted Chief Scientist opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.

What Does a Chief Scientist Do?

Responsibilities vary by organization and industry, but commonly include setting research priorities, leading multidisciplinary teams, overseeing experiments and development programs, evaluating emerging technologies, and communicating findings to business and government leaders. Chief Scientists may also shape research budgets, build partnerships with universities or laboratories, and ensure that work meets ethical, regulatory, and quality standards.

Common Skills and Qualifications

Employers often seek a strong record of scientific achievement, deep expertise in a relevant discipline, and experience leading research teams or complex programs. A doctoral degree is common in many fields, though requirements depend on the role. Strategic thinking, clear communication, collaboration, and the ability to connect scientific evidence with organizational goals are valuable across industries.

Industries and Career Opportunities

Chief Scientist roles are available in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, artificial intelligence, aerospace, energy, government, and advanced manufacturing. Titles and reporting structures differ: some positions focus on fundamental research, while others lead applied science, product development, or enterprise-wide innovation.

Find Chief Scientist Roles on Ladders

Use Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Review each listing’s responsibilities, qualifications, location, and compensation details to identify roles that fit your expertise and leadership goals.

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$110K - $130K *

Lead innovative cell culture media development, driving projects from concept to commercialization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and solve complex technical challenges...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$101K - $154K *

Pioneer innovative research and product development initiatives, leading experimental design and execution. Collaborate with team members and manage direct reports to drive results, ensuring scientifi...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI by leading advanced research in machine learning, focusing on large language models, optimization, and scalable training systems. Collaborate with talented teams, publish impact...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $240K *

Architect innovative clinical strategies and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive the execution and analysis of clinical studies, ensuring high-quality data delivery and alignment with dev...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $175K *

Lead the charge in architecting intelligent compliance systems by designing multi-agent frameworks and optimizing AI/ML pipelines. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance compliance accuracy and ens...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Champion the advancement of NASA's missions by leading enterprise data and super intelligence strategies. Drive innovation, governance, and workforce capabilities to enhance mission operations and ens...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Engage with federal science enterprises and enhance partnerships to secure funding. Drive strategic legislative proposals, manage Congressional relationships, and lead proposal efforts to support atmo...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$160K - $190K *

Empower your career by partnering with the Science Leadership Team to drive strategic initiatives, enhance operational effectiveness, and translate scientific vision into impactful outcomes across div...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$244K - $336K *

Join a team that's driving impactful change in life sciences. In this pivotal role, you'll translate strategy into execution, manage complex initiatives, and enhance operational effectiveness to accel...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Drive innovation in automated research systems as part of our R&D team. Work with experts on cutting-edge AI capabilities and contribute to impactful publications in a collaborative environment...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Unlock your potential by developing innovative genome engineering strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and optimize CRISPR/Cas9 and advanced editing techniques, driving impact...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Champion high-throughput protein binder screening by leading a skilled team, optimizing protocols, and ensuring quality data delivery. Drive innovation in molecular cloning and library methods while c...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$121K - $159K *

Develop and validate screening technologies to enhance nanoparticle delivery systems. Collaborate across disciplines to improve molecular technologies and drive scientific discoveries for therapeutic...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on advancing accelerator physics. Contribute to the maintenance, operation, and innovative upgrades of cutting-edge synchrotron light sources, enh...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$218K - $295K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of innovative AI models that optimize advertising strategies, enhance campaign performance, and drive measurable growth for advertisers through advanced mac...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$165K - $235K *

Unlock potential by supporting the Executive Director in strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and external stakeholder engagement to drive effective organizational growth and performance...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$165K - $235K *

Pioneer organizational excellence by supporting the Executive Director, streamlining decision-making, and driving operational initiatives. Bring your expertise to enhance team performance and ensure s...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$142K - $193K *

Unlock potential by designing and deploying innovative ML models to tackle complex challenges. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to drive impactful AI/ML projects, ensuring scalable and effici...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$80K - $200K *

Champion innovative protein design by enhancing computational workflows and experimental protocols. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive platform growth, improve user engagement, and support scien...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$160K - $240K *

Join a team that's pioneering advanced X-Ray research to enhance semiconductor metrology solutions. Collaborate on experiments, data analysis, and algorithm development to drive innovation in microele...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $240K *

Champion advanced X-Ray research to develop next-gen metrology solutions. Conduct experiments, analyze data, and create algorithms for semiconductor characterization, focusing on precision and innovat...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$136K - $358K *

Transform the future of geriatrics research by leading innovative studies, mentoring emerging scientists, and securing funding to advance knowledge in aging and palliative care. Collaborate with a dyn...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$146K - $219K *

Support the growth of a dynamic research team by overseeing operations, finance, and hiring. Collaborate closely with leadership to build infrastructure and adapt to evolving needs in a fast-paced env...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic R&D team to lead chemistry initiatives, ensure deliverables, train staff, and enhance projects through innovative method development and client collaboration. Drive significant impact o...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $171K *

Shape early drug discovery by analyzing high-dimensional datasets and collaborating with scientists to advance complex projects. Leverage your computational expertise to enhance analytical methods and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Chief Scientist do?question toggle

    A Chief Scientist leads or advises an organization’s research and scientific strategy. The role may include setting priorities, managing research teams, evaluating new technologies, overseeing development programs, and communicating scientific findings to senior leaders.

  • What qualifications are typically required for Chief Scientist jobs?question toggle

    Requirements depend on the field and employer. Many positions call for advanced expertise, a strong record of research or innovation, and experience leading teams or programs. A Ph.D. is common in some scientific disciplines, while other roles may value equivalent industry experience.

  • Which industries hire Chief Scientists?question toggle

    Chief Scientists work in fields including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, artificial intelligence, aerospace, energy, government, and advanced manufacturing.

  • How much do Chief Scientists earn?question toggle

    Compensation varies by industry, location, organization, and scope of responsibility. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for available salary information.

  • How can I find Chief Scientist jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Browse Chief Scientist listings on Ladders and review each role’s salary information, responsibilities, location, and qualifications to find opportunities suited to your background.