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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$101K - $197K *
Empower your career by leading global regulatory strategies for medical devices and diagnostics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and drive market access while mentoring ot...
2 weeks ago
Sr Architect, Professional Services
$160K - $200K *
Empower clients by leading the implementation of innovative solutions, ensuring successful adoption and integration of Omnissa Workspace ONE. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive business outcomes...
1 week ago
Staff Machine Learning and Bioinformatics Scientist (Multi-Cancer Early Detection)
$163K - $204K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative machine learning methods for cancer detection, collaborating with experts, and mentoring junior scientists to advance research in multi-cancer early detection us...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Global Enablement
$225K - $324K *
Accelerate growth by leading global enablement initiatives that empower sellers, engineers, and partners. Drive strategic programs, enhance skills, and ensure readiness for a multi-product platform in...
6 days ago
Executive Director, R&D IT AI Technical Strategy Lead
$255K - $402K *
Unlock potential by leading AI technical strategy in R&D, driving innovation and collaboration across IT and business units to enhance scientific capabilities and streamline processes for impactful ou...
Today
Machine Learning Scientist 5 - Ads Demand Science
$466K - $500K+*
Elevate your career by designing and deploying ML models that transform advertiser requests into optimized media plans, collaborating with a dynamic team to drive innovation and enhance decision-makin...
2 weeks ago
Applied Real World Data Scientist
$160K - $190K *
Unlock potential by leading data-driven insights to enhance patient access to medications. Collaborate with diverse teams to execute innovative analytics that inform health plans, improve medication e...
Reposted 3 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Contribute to cloud migration efforts by designing secure, scalable Azure architectures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions for mission-critical healthcare applica...
1 week ago
$100K - $140K *
Lead the charge in transforming healthcare through cloud solutions, driving modernization and interoperability initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design secure, scalable Azure arc...
1 week ago
Sr Manager Digital Product Solutions
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by leading customer discovery and product definition. Drive cross-functional collaboration to translate insights into actionable requirements, manage product backlogs, and delive...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to oversee portfolio health, ensuring quality and operational alignment across studies. Drive performance visibility, manage risks, and facilitate client governance while fostering...
2 weeks ago
Principal AI Research Cybersecurity Scientist (Bay Area)
$175K - $210K *
Innovate in AI research by driving cutting-edge projects in cybersecurity. Leverage your expertise in LLMs and model evaluation to translate complex challenges into actionable insights, collaborating...
5 days ago
Senior Applied Scientist, Shopping AI
$160K - $257K *
Advance the future of home shopping by leading innovative AI systems that enhance user experiences. Drive the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models while collaborating with cr...
3 weeks ago
Clinical Scientist (Psychiatry/Neuroscience)
$79K - $157K *
Advance clinical data insights by reviewing and analyzing trial results, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity, and presenting findings to stakeholders, enhancing study ou...
Reposted yesterday
$120K - $160K *
Unlock potential by designing advanced data architectures that enable agentic systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance data flow, governance, and retrieval methods in a dynamic environment focused...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Group Account Director (Medical Affairs)
$165K - $185K *
Join a team that's shaping strategic direction and driving growth across multi-account projects in medical affairs. In this senior leadership role, you'll enhance client relationships, develop teams...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Champion impactful People Projects by managing cross-functional initiatives, fostering collaboration, and driving measurable outcomes. Help shape the future of HR processes and project management in a...
2 weeks ago
Senior Research Scientist - AI Security
$192K - $356K *
Lead the charge in advancing AI security research by innovating protective measures for AI models and systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges and co...
3 days ago
$79K - $157K *
Join a team advancing oncology clinical data analysis and review, collaborating with study teams and clients. Ensure integrity of data and reports, communicate key trends, and guide clinical strategie...
Reposted yesterday
Director, Public Safety Operations
$130K - $150K *
Champion public safety operations across North America, leading program directors to ensure effective training, deployment, and customer satisfaction while aligning resources and operational prioritie...
Yesterday
Physical Scientist - Seasonal Forecast System Developer
$95K - $115K *
Champion innovative forecasting solutions by developing advanced marine and seasonal prediction models. Collaborate with scientists to enhance global coupled forecasting systems, leveraging AI/ML tech...
Today
Principal Software Engineer, Agentic Data Platform
$255K - $290K *
Drive the technical vision for a complex database platform, ensuring scalability and performance. Lead architecture decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enhance data infrastruc...
1 week ago
$115K - $150K *
Innovate your career with a strategic role focused on omnichannel marketing. Lead data-driven insights and creative recommendations for a top financial services brand, collaborating across teams to en...
2 weeks ago
VP, Labor & Public Sector Sales
$215K - $250K *
Pioneer your career by leading a dynamic sales team focused on Labor and Public Sector markets. Drive growth, mentor talent, and execute strategic initiatives to exceed revenue goals while building im...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Digital Prevention & Interventions
$115K - $152K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing evidence-based digital prevention interventions, overseeing diverse campaigns while ensuring strategic alignment and effective outcomes through strong pro...
Today
What does a Chief Scientist do?
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?
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?
Chief Scientists work in fields including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, artificial intelligence, aerospace, energy, government, and advanced manufacturing.
How much do Chief Scientists earn?
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?
Browse Chief Scientist listings on Ladders and review each role’s salary information, responsibilities, location, and qualifications to find opportunities suited to your background.