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.
Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator
$81K - $106K *
Unlock potential by leading complex cultural resource projects, ensuring high-quality compliance services and technical excellence, while mentoring staff and fostering business growth in a supportive...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $100K *
Manage and execute complex LIMS implementations for public health and environmental labs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success, stakeholder alignment, and high-quality out...
2 weeks ago
Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator
$81K - $106K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering top-notch cultural resources compliance services. You'll lead projects, mentor staff, and develop innovative solutions while ensuring adherence to industry s...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Shape the future of AI governance by leading a dedicated team to drive responsible adoption and implementation of AI solutions, guiding stakeholders towards high-value opportunities while ensuring com...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Lead the charge in delivering complex integrations for clients, embedding with their teams to build reusable assets against our API. Transform vague requests into actionable plans while enhancing depl...
2 weeks ago
Lead Consultant, AI & Analytics
$120K - $145K *
Drive the future of AI & Analytics by leading client relationships, providing strategic guidance, and delivering innovative solutions. Leverage your expertise to enhance service delivery and ensure al...
Yesterday
Vice President of Operations and Risk Management
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by providing strategic leadership in operations and risk management, ensuring effective integration of finance, technology, and human resources to support organizational goals and...
2 weeks ago
Large Scale Fisheries Project Director - Europe and Africa
$100K - $120K *
Lead and implement electronic monitoring programs to enhance fisheries management and transparency across Africa and Europe. Build partnerships, provide technical support, and drive sustainable practi...
2 weeks ago
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...
3 days ago
Senior Program Manager, Research & Institutional Funds
$122K - $132K *
Lead the charge in managing high-impact, complex programs that drive strategic objectives across multiple departments, ensuring timely delivery and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders f...
1 week ago
Enterprise Solutions Director, Veteran Affairs
$150K - $200K *
Lead the strategic execution of precision medicine initiatives for Veterans Affairs, driving integration and adoption of diagnostic technology while building executive relationships across healthcare...
3 weeks ago
$182K - $252K *
Champion data-driven decision-making by leveraging deep analytics expertise to guide product, marketing, and finance leaders. Drive strategic insights and build innovative tools that enhance business...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $160K *
Drive operational excellence by leading process and manufacturing engineering initiatives. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency, product quality, and scalability while fostering a culture of...
1 week ago
Director of Security Engineering
$214K - $308K *
Empower security excellence by leading high-performing teams, driving strategic initiatives, and collaborating across functions. Own major security programs and represent the organization to executive...
2 weeks ago
Enterprise Architect Principal
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of enterprise architecture by leading strategic initiatives, translating business goals into scalable solutions, and guiding cross-functional teams in integrating complex healthcare a...
1 week ago
Senior Lead, Clinical Project Manager
$120K - $145K *
Deliver leadership and governance for global clinical study management, ensuring projects meet timelines and budgets while fostering collaboration and operational excellence across teams and stakehold...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Solutions Architect (Federal Civilian Growth)
$200K - $250K *
Join us in shaping technical strategies and growth initiatives for federal opportunities. Collaborate across teams to develop compelling solutions that drive success in complex pursuits, ensuring alig...
Today
$80K - $133K *
Innovate with us to deliver AI and machine learning solutions that transform data into actionable insights. Collaborate across teams to enhance fraud detection and anomaly analysis, leveraging advance...
1 week ago
$85K - $111K *
Lead the charge in advancing climate prediction methods, enhancing forecasting accuracy for extreme events. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop impactful training programs and tools, driving scie...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Contribute to innovative solutions in the utility sector, supporting AMI projects through expert integration, mentoring, and alignment of technology with business needs. Champion industry standards an...
4 weeks ago
$145K - $175K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Data Architect, where you'll shape enterprise data architecture, drive data lifecycle strategies, and ensure governance while collaborating with engineering teams to en...
Today
$80K - $110K *
Analyze diverse research projects to provide actionable insights for leadership. Collaborate with a dynamic team, utilizing AI tools and your curiosity to tackle complex questions and deliver clear, c...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Lead engineering efforts by writing production code and mentoring a team. Drive modernization initiatives through Java microservices while managing performance and growth of engineers. Collaborate wit...
Today
Group Director, Client Media Solutions
$175K - $200K *
Lead the charge in developing integrated media strategies and client partnerships across pharmaceutical and life sciences accounts, driving business growth and ensuring exceptional delivery and client...
4 days ago
$210K - $250K *
Transform the legal landscape by leading regulatory strategies in healthcare, managing compliance, and advising on critical legal matters, while building and shaping a high-performing legal function w...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
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.