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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$120K - $140K *

Empower the R&D organization by leading technology strategy, engineering execution, and team development across a diverse healthcare software portfolio, ensuring alignment with market needs and operat...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $155K *

Drive innovation as you develop and deploy cutting-edge AI solutions that enhance advertising measurement products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to maximize ROI and shape technology at sc...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$173K - $313K *

Shape the future of customer-facing applications and APIs by leading engineering teams to enhance DNS and IP Acceleration services, ensuring performance, reliability, and usability at Internet scale...

Cambridge, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join our team to lead and enhance Security Operations, driving AI-driven strategies and incident responses while ensuring compliance and strengthening our security posture across a global organization...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance credit decisioning through advanced modeling and analytics. Lead initiatives that improve approval rates and expand credit access while collaborating with cross-function...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$145K - $190K *

Lead the charge in designing and optimizing scalable data pipelines using Azure, PySpark, and Airflow. Collaborate with teams to ensure data quality and performance while mentoring engineers and drivi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Champion security excellence by driving secure SDLC practices, managing compliance, and leading incident response. Collaborate with DevOps and ensure robust risk management practices to protect vital...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $185K *

Pioneer effective supply chain management by coordinating program activities, ensuring timely material deliverables, and consolidating data for decision-making across cross-functional teams to meet pe...

Lorton, VARemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in supporting clients with policy, business development, and growth strategies in the climate and energy sectors. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to navigate complex challenges a...

Washington, DCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$115K - $135K *

Lead the charge in developing high-quality software solutions, mentoring engineers, and driving process improvements. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance systems and deliver impactful results in...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$104K - $201K *

Transform data into actionable insights by designing and deploying machine learning models. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance decision-making processes and drive business outcomes whi...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$225K - $270K *

Lead the charge in Workforce Transformation by measuring AI’s impact, redesigning roles, and shaping skills for the future. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to anticipate workforce needs and...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$172K - $247K *

Empower your career by leading strategic initiatives with AI-driven insights. Collaborate across teams to analyze complex business problems, drive execution, and present impactful recommendations to s...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Deliver strategic procurement for critical mechanical and electrical equipment across multi-site data center builds. Manage supplier relationships and oversee sourcing strategies, ensuring alignment w...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$145K - $177K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical trials for rare diseases. As a Senior Clinical Trial Manager, you'll lead operational execution, ensuring compliance and quality while fostering stro...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in managing workplace design and construction projects, ensuring operational readiness and accountability across multiple sites while optimizing budgets and vendor performance for succ...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $165K *

Lead the charge in global communications strategy, enhancing the reach and impact of research and recommendations. Drive audience engagement and establish editorial standards to amplify PAI's influenc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$160K - $170K *

Lead and grow a high-performing data science team while delivering full-cycle data solutions. Shape data infrastructure, oversee ML models, and engage with stakeholders to translate business needs int...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Execute project development and implementation, managing budgets, schedules, and vendor tasks while ensuring quality standards and fostering collaboration across teams and clients...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $140K *

Join us to leverage your expertise in HEOR methodologies, driving project delivery and client engagement. Collaborate with teams to develop innovative solutions while mentoring junior staff and partic...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$164K - $226K *

Transform the identity and access landscape by designing scalable systems for user management, authentication, and authorization. Collaborate with security teams to ensure robust, secure solutions tha...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of geochemistry by providing technical leadership, mentoring staff, and enhancing client relationships across North America in mining and environmental projects...

Denver, CORemote

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $160K *

Drive customer success and system reliability by leading a high-impact, agile engineering team focused on short-term initiatives that enhance product adoption and solve complex integration challenges...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive sustained growth as a key commercial leader by executing innovative revenue strategies, generating new client opportunities, and expanding market presence in the evolving data center and AI infr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$128K - $160K *

Drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction by managing services teams, optimizing project delivery, and enhancing client engagement strategies for government clients, ensuring alignment wi...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.