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.
Staff Product Security Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Champion the security strategy for a cutting-edge platform, focusing on supply chain security, code scanning, and threat modeling. Collaborate with teams to enhance security practices and drive innova...
3 days ago
$160K - $175K *
Shape the strategic vision for data products, leading a high-performing team to drive data-informed decisions and enhance product strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally to establish data governance...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of innovative SaaS solutions by driving full stack development, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and delivering exceptional applications with a focus on scalability and performa...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Applied Research Scientist - Personalization
$169K - $241K *
Design and innovate conversational speech-to-speech models while collaborating with engineering teams to enhance speech technology, improve production pipelines, and engage users across various market...
4 weeks ago
SampleManager Technical Project Lead
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of laboratory informatics by leading technical delivery and customer engagements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize solutions, enhance customer experience, and drive...
3 weeks ago
$72K - $120K *
Lead a multi-disciplinary team in developing machine learning algorithms to enhance clinical decision support, leveraging healthcare datasets for innovation and making vital discoveries that drive pro...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Scientific Programmer for Remote Sensing Applications (GS26091008)
$75K - $100K *
Champion scientific innovation by developing SST datasets and algorithms with a team of experts. Leverage your skills in remote sensing and programming languages to enhance cloud masking and retrieval...
Reposted 6 days ago
Associate Director Continuous Improvement
$121K - $176K *
Transform operational excellence by leading a team to implement Lean strategies, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and enhance safety, quality, and cost performance across multiple sites while...
2 weeks ago
Senior Editor, Research & Thought Leadership
$116K - $140K *
Shape the future of financial content by leading editorial projects, refining diverse materials, and collaborating with teams to deliver impactful thought leadership and research that resonates with i...
6 days ago
$88K - $140K *
Shape the future of public service by leading technology consulting projects that enhance operational efficiency and strategic goals for state and local agencies, ensuring compliance and delivering im...
1 week ago
$85K - $106K *
Analyze and optimize Amazon DSP and paid search campaigns to drive results across Retail Media. Leverage data insights to enhance performance, ensuring KPI excellence while managing fast-paced, multif...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director, Medical - Clinical Research Scientist
$177K - $338K *
Help us advance women's health through innovative clinical trial strategies, where you will conduct, support, and report on global studies for cutting-edge compounds, ensuring adherence to regulatory...
Reposted 2 days ago
Forward Deployed Engineer, AI & Agentforce
$110K - $130K *
Join our AI acceleration team to drive impactful client engagements, rapidly prototype solutions, and demonstrate innovative agentic capabilities, all while collaborating closely with stakeholders to...
6 days ago
Senior Director - Cybersecurity Transformation & AI Security
$190K - $225K *
Transform enterprise cybersecurity programs by leading AI-driven initiatives and modernization efforts. Collaborate with C-suite executives to design and implement comprehensive security roadmaps, enh...
1 week ago
$105K - $150K *
Transform healthcare insights by leading client engagements with real-world data. Drive business development and project delivery while building long-term client relationships in a dynamic, hybrid wor...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal, AI Transformation Lead
$154K - $193K *
Drive AI transformation by building client relationships, leading engagements, and delivering results. Own the sales process from prospecting to execution, ensuring successful integration of AI soluti...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal, AI Transformation Lead
$132K - $165K *
Lead the charge in AI transformation by building client trust, driving business development, and delivering impactful solutions. Own the entire engagement process from sales to execution, guiding team...
2 weeks ago
Director of Clinical Strategy - Compliance Suite (ControlCheck & PrivacyPro)
$130K - $150K *
Shape the future of healthcare technology by leading clinical strategy initiatives to enhance drug diversion prevention and ensure patient privacy compliance. Drive impactful relationships, educate st...
Reposted 1 week ago
Vice President - Strategic Collaborations
$240K - $260K *
Elevate collaborative efforts by building and managing executive-level relationships within the Precision Oncology Alliance and leading institutions. This role focuses on strategic partnerships and en...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Manager, Software Engineering - AI Tools
$120K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI engineering by leading a dynamic group of engineers and Technical Leads. Drive workforce strategy, enhance team capabilities, and ensure sustainable deliver...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Execute comprehensive program management for a critical Air Force contract, leading a diverse team to ensure compliance, quality, and performance across multiple global operations while maintaining 24...
Yesterday
$128K - $184K *
Join a team that's redefining bioprocessing solutions in the life sciences sector. Drive sales, develop key accounts, and collaborate with a dynamic commercial team to enhance customer relationships a...
2 days ago
$128K - $184K *
Join a team that's driving innovative bioprocessing solutions in the life sciences sector. Leverage your sales expertise to manage key accounts and develop new opportunities across a dynamic territory...
2 weeks ago
Director Analyst - AI Strategy and Emerging Technologies for Supply Chain Leaders
$148K - $175K *
Lead the charge in providing actionable insights and thought leadership to clients, driving strategic innovation with a strong focus on AI in supply chain. Collaborate with stakeholders, mentor teams...
3 weeks ago
Principle Machine Learning Architect | Enterprise Agentic Search
$196K - $309K *
Oversee the architecture for enterprise search, guiding AI agents in effective information retrieval, query understanding, and context construction. Lead cross-team collaboration to enhance search qua...
3 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.