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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1
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$150K - $180K *

Empower product innovation by leading strategy, execution, and team development in a transformative software-focused environment. Drive comprehensive product outcomes through strong cross-functional c...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$150K - $180K *

Join us to drive product strategy and execution for a key software area. Lead teams in developing market-driven solutions, enhancing B2B SaaS offerings, and ensure customer value throughout the produc...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$120K - $158K *

Unlock potential by leading complex, cross-functional technology projects. Manage project planning, execution, and stakeholder collaboration to drive successful outcomes in a fast-paced environment fo...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $105K *

Pioneer innovative solutions as you apply advanced analytics to evaluate energy strategies, manage projects, and lead research efforts for utility and government clients, driving sustainability and ef...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $220K *

Take ownership of the entire algorithm development lifecycle. Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, and optimize machine learning models for analyzing biosignal data in heal...

Boston, MARemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $210K *

Drive the execution of a comprehensive medical affairs plan for prostate cancer theranostics, collaborating across functions to enhance strategy, launch readiness, and lifecycle planning while advanci...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Shape the future of retail by architecting innovative AI solutions that drive business success. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate open-source technologies and enhance operational ef...

Philadelphia, PARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$108K - $156K *

Join a dynamic team as you oversee complex software deployments, ensuring governance and stakeholder engagement across multiple sites. Drive successful outcomes for strategic customers while managing...

Tucson, AZRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining the customer experience in utilities by building a seamless, AI-driven self-service platform. You'll lead initiatives to enhance digital interactions, ensuring a proactiv...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $160K *

Champion the future of executive support by driving operational excellence in the Office of the CEO. Leverage your expertise to provide strategic insights, enhance workflows, and proactively manage co...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$250K - $275K *

Transform the future of drug development by leading Analytical Development for small molecules and oligonucleotides. Drive scientific strategy, build a high-performing team, and ensure regulatory read...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Drive analytical solutions by leading projects, applying advanced data analysis, and collaborating with clients to deliver actionable insights across energy initiatives including efficiency and sustai...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Join a team that's driving innovative launch campaigns, managing complex schedules, and enhancing internal processes. This role requires a proactive leader to oversee launch operations and foster rela...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $140K *

Join a team that's passionate about education! Lead B2B marketing strategies, develop compelling content, and drive product positioning to enhance the Encourage program for educators and students. Col...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$125K - $140K *

Drive the development and management of clinical solutions to optimize healthcare payments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while leading and supporting the DRG team to enhance efficiency and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in transforming legal operations by advising corporate legal departments on strategy, technology, and process improvements. Drive complex engagements, build trusted relationships, and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$125K - $150K *

Optimize IT Financial Management by leading benchmarking engagements and guiding C-suite clients. Collaborate across research teams to enhance service delivery while mentoring analysts and implementin...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $250K *

Inspire the future of healthcare by leading product strategy and execution across a groundbreaking AI platform. Drive collaboration and innovation to enhance clinician workflows, increase adoption, an...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $210K *

Transform the landscape of emerging therapies by leading strategic clinical innovation, guiding development, and ensuring regulatory readiness for novel therapeutic solutions across early- and mid-sta...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $125K *

Elevate AI capabilities across the organization by providing vision, governance, and training. Collaborate with leadership and teams to identify opportunities, streamline processes, and implement AI s...

Washington, DCRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$130K - $160K *

Lead the charge in shaping a robust security function, managing a team while enhancing AWS infrastructure, compliance, and application security within a remote-first culture and fast-paced environment...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $240K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic security research team focused on innovative data collection and analysis methodologies, driving strategic technology investments, and shaping the future of se...

Boston, MARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $170K *

Execute complex, cross-functional initiatives while navigating ambiguity and redefining operational models. Your strategic insights and leadership will propel projects to success and enhance overall o...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$101K - $188K *

Drive the innovation of semi- and fully autonomous systems. Engage in research, algorithm development, and optimization to enhance AI and machine learning applications for diverse mission challenges...

Three Rivers, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $138K *

Optimize sales strategies and drive growth in the US Academic market by partnering with teams to deliver innovative research solutions, enhance customer relationships, and achieve sales targets while...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.