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.
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team in Workforce Management and Quality Assurance. Drive operational excellence, vendor partnerships, and innovative strategies to enhance service delivery and p...
3 days ago
$180K - $220K *
Shape the future of digital health by leading a comprehensive marketing strategy that drives revenue and builds a high-performing team across various marketing disciplines in a fast-growing environmen...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Associate Director - Technology Practice
$90K - $100K *
Champion excellence in executive search by leading market mapping, building strong candidate pipelines, and conducting first-round interviews in a collaborative team environment. Your contributions dr...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$69K - $105K *
Elevate your research career by conducting impactful studies that enhance crisis services. Collaborate with experts to analyze data, develop tools, and contribute to vital evaluations that support the...
Reposted 1 week ago
EPMO Project Manager (Research)
$80K - $95K *
Execute project management strategies to drive research initiatives, ensuring effective collaboration and communication across teams. Manage project life cycles, optimize processes, and enhance outcom...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by collaborating across teams to drive data integrity and safety in oncology clinical studies while developing comprehensive medical review plans and managing project deliverables...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$170K - $240K *
Unlock potential by serving as a strategic technical advisor for key enterprise customers, guiding architecture decisions and aligning technical plans with business outcomes to ensure successful imple...
4 days ago
Associate Director, Business Improvement
$130K - $160K *
Reimagine business improvement strategies as a senior contributor, leading high-impact initiatives across functions. Drive alignment, governance, and measurable outcomes while influencing stakeholders...
1 week ago
Field Chief Technology Officer - Modern Workplace
$250K - $350K *
Unlock potential by serving as a strategic advisor to executives, guiding organizations in workplace transformation, technology modernization, and data-driven strategies to enhance productivity and op...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in managing client projects, ensuring high-quality delivery on time and within budget while fostering excellent customer service and collaboration across teams...
Today
Lead Solution Architect, Professional Services - Agentic AI
$160K - $174K *
Join a team that's leading the charge in architecting complex AI solutions for enterprise environments. Drive technical excellence and mentorship while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to trans...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join our dynamic Delivery team to design and develop robust data pipelines, leveraging cloud technologies and distributed systems while ensuring optimal performance and scalability for our clients' da...
4 weeks ago
Solution Architect, Identity Security
$200K - $250K *
Shape the future of enterprise solutions by bridging technical expertise and strategic vision. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design impactful architectures that drive customer success and...
6 days ago
$161K - $218K *
Join a team that's redefining cybersecurity by leading the architecture and integration of Zero Trust solutions for crucial defense initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver st...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $130K *
Optimize research operations by leading cross-team initiatives, establishing effective tracking systems, and maintaining a dynamic evidence repository. Drive efficiency and clarity in processes while...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager- Professional Services
$110K - $130K *
Lead end-to-end client engagements for complex AI and digital projects, managing multiple implementations while ensuring timely delivery and exceeding client expectations. Collaborate with cross-funct...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Optimize project delivery by leading cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of SaaS engagements. Foster strong client relationships while managing scope, timelines, and budgets to meet...
4 weeks ago
$136K - $200K *
Explore innovative solutions by leading high-impact ideation labs that transform customer challenges into actionable AI capabilities, driving strategic partnerships and enhancing sales pipelines throu...
3 weeks ago
Distinguished Engineer - AI & Engineering Transformation
$240K - $320K *
Transform AI adoption and engineering efficiency by leading cross-functional initiatives and driving the strategic integration of innovative technologies across products, ensuring measurable outcomes...
3 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff, Research
$125K - $150K *
Transform scientific research with innovative AI methods. Collaborate across teams to design, test, and implement state-of-the-art models that advance academic discovery and impact the future of scien...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$127K - $212K *
Champion secure architecture by conducting reviews and assessments for cloud and on-premise systems. Leverage your cybersecurity expertise to design solutions that align with security best practices a...
Today
Program Manager - Federal Financial / Regulatory Service
$105K - $150K *
Inspire impactful change by leading complex federal digital services programs. Oversee strategy, execution, and customer relationships while managing multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality te...
Today
$125K - $150K *
Lead the Vendor Management Office, overseeing vendor governance, lifecycle management, and performance metrics. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure vendor services align with quality, compliance...
2 weeks ago
Manager of Applied AI, Solutions Support Engineering
$135K - $160K *
Champion an AI-first approach by leading a team of developers to enhance internal tools and automation for technical support, driving innovation and efficiency in case resolution while actively engagi...
4 days ago
Director Product Market Development
$135K - $160K *
Advance your career by driving market intelligence and product strategy for RUO oncology and transplant products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer relationships and ensure s...
1 week 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.