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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$160K - $190K *

Shape the future of global sales strategy by leading commercial efforts, driving revenue growth, and enhancing customer engagement across diverse market segments in a dynamic, collaborative environmen...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in shaping Stedi's litigation strategy, driving affirmative disputes and regulatory actions to protect and expand our operational freedom in the healthcare sector. Collaborate with lea...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $220K *

Lead the strategy for manufacturing processes, ensuring seamless product transitions from design to production. Partner with cross-functional teams to optimize supplier capabilities while meeting cost...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$185K - $220K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering service delivery for legal and professional clients. Lead a dynamic organization focused on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and continuous improv...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in shaping legal strategies for innovative technology products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide expert legal guidance throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring comp...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Design and oversee tailored security architectures for government clients, ensuring integration of threat intelligence and compliance within Cyware's platform. Collaborate on use cases, empower teams...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $101K *

Grow your career with us as a Field Application Scientist, driving technical excellence and customer success through training, pre-sales support, and application expertise in forensic DNA workflows ac...

Nevada, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$229K - $330K *

Transform financial strategy for GTM operations, driving growth through data-driven insights and modernized processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance, optimize investme...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Empower enterprises by leading the end-to-end delivery of AI deployments, engaging clients to drive program success, foster adoption, and navigate complex workflows while managing cross-functional tea...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $210K *

Join a team that's innovating the future of energy by integrating large-load facilities into the electric grid, solving complex challenges, and ensuring reliable power supply for high-performance comp...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$215K - $235K *

Lead the charge in amplifying the CEO's impact by driving strategic initiatives, managing executive communications, and ensuring alignment across teams in a fast-paced, AI-driven environment...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of scientific computing and research infrastructure. Lead strategic initiatives, manage high-performance computing resources, and collaborate with diverse teams to...

Madison, WIRemote

1 week ago

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

$180K - $240K *

Architect and deploy advanced production AI systems for national security, leveraging LLMs and agentic workflows. Collaborate to create reusable solutions that enhance operational efficiency and relia...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive operational excellence by leading engineering, data, and AI teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate strategic goals into actionable plans, ensuring high-quality project delivery and te...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that leads enterprise-wide financial planning and analysis. Collaborate with senior leaders to improve business performance and drive strategic financial outcomes, while managing a dedicat...

Johnson City, TNRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$98K - $182K *

Unlock potential by leveraging data science to drive insights and solutions. Collaborate across teams to analyze complex datasets, develop predictive models, and deliver actionable recommendations tha...

Three Rivers, TXRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $242K *

Join a team that's driving strategic initiatives and digital transformation. Collaborate with senior leaders to tackle complex challenges, influence decision-making, and ensure successful execution of...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in analytical development, overseeing drug substance and product strategies. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and performance, while mentoring a high-performing analytical...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading a dynamic team of Client Success Managers, driving customer satisfaction and retention while collaborating cross-functionally to maximize value from our solutions and in...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$158K - $263K *

Champion security assessments and integrations for enterprise systems, focusing on cryptography and key management while ensuring compliance and collaborating with teams to enhance product security fe...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $110K *

Accelerate laboratory efficiency and innovation while supervising staff and managing operations, grant deliverables, and sample processing for groundbreaking research initiatives in blood cancers...

Boston, MARemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $199K *

Drive sales and foster relationships in the healthcare sector by engaging customers through innovative strategies and effective communication, while leveraging analytical skills and product knowledge...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$206K - $268K *

Lead the charge in advancing nephrology clinical programs through strategic design, execution, and analysis of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practices while collaborating wit...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Manage day-to-day infrastructure and customer support, ensuring optimal server performance, security, and incident response. Collaborate on initiatives to enhance operational security and maintain doc...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $100K *

Transform clinical trial execution by managing home visit projects, collaborating with teams and vendors to ensure compliance and success. Lead training, mentor junior staff, and drive process improve...

Maine, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.