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.
Principal Data Scientist, Agentic AI Technical Lead
$150K - $180K *
Champion the technical vision for a comprehensive AI program, guiding multiple teams through complex challenges. Ensure high-quality delivery, set architectural standards, and collaborate with executi...
2 weeks ago
Medical Director (Publications)
$130K - $150K *
Champion effective publication strategies and lead scientific communication initiatives, acting as a strategic partner to clients and teams. Navigate complex medical affairs content to drive impactful...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal Data Scientist (Partial Telework)
$200K - $280K *
Unlock the potential of data as you lead advanced analytical projects, collaborating with experts to enhance mission-critical systems for government clients while driving innovation in machine learnin...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by partnering with the CEO to drive strategic initiatives, optimize operations, and enhance organizational effectiveness. You'll tackle complex challenges, support executive decisi...
1 week ago
Research Scientist, Medical World Models
$110K - $130K *
Champion proactive health innovation by designing models that forecast health dynamics and unify multimodal data. Collaborate with a dynamic team to transform unique datasets into actionable insights...
4 weeks ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$115K - $275K *
Manage the delivery of GPU clusters for AI workloads by coordinating teams across engineering, networking, and operations. Develop strategies, manage risks, and ensure timely, quality launches to scal...
Reposted yesterday
$180K - $198K *
Shape the future of supply chain management by leading Agile project delivery, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration across teams to optimize logistics and enhance performance metrics withi...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate product strategy and delivery in an evolving security landscape. Own roadmap execution, collaborate with engineering, and engage with customers to build trust and drive innovation. Measure...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$178K - $200K *
Lead the design and delivery of advanced analytics solutions, utilizing machine learning to drive data-informed business decisions. Collaborate with teams to translate complex data insights into actio...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $350K *
Build advanced inference systems to enhance RL research, optimizing throughput and enabling scalable model updates. Collaborate with researchers to balance efficiency and quality in cutting-edge AI ar...
6 days ago
Staff Applied Scientist, Personalization
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in AI and Machine Learning innovation, designing and deploying transformative models to enhance user experience, drive business growth, and improve operational efficiency collaborative...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$131K - $237K *
Lead the charge in managing complex IT programs, ensuring product development and lifecycle management while coordinating multiple vendors and teams to meet customer needs and deliver on strategic obj...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Empower business strategies as a Data Scientist by analyzing complex data sets, developing predictive models, and collaborating with diverse teams to drive data insights and innovation...
4 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Information Security & IT
$160K - $180K *
Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity and IT programs across compliance, cloud, and application security. Collaborate with teams to implement secure practices in a hands-on role while driving ini...
3 weeks ago
Executive Director, Global Client Delivery Biotech
$190K - $260K *
Transform client delivery in biotech by leading a high-performing team, driving operational excellence, and fostering innovation. Champion technology adoption and continuous improvement to enhance cli...
1 week ago
Translational AI Scientist/Engineer
$150K - $185K *
Unlock potential by designing and deploying AI systems that enhance translational science, enabling evidence-based recommendations for drug discovery and target validation through innovative technolog...
1 week ago
Senior Program Manager, AI Programs
$114K - $165K *
Transform AI initiatives by establishing a scalable operating model that integrates cross-functional teams, enhances stakeholder collaboration, and drives transparency in roadmaps and reporting for a...
2 days ago
$110K - $190K *
Transform the future of remote sensing by leading research and algorithm development. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance EO/IR systems, applying advanced analytics to support critical...
2 weeks ago
Senior Advisor, Vaccine & Clinical Case Management
$91K - $151K *
Shape the future of public health by leading the development of a statewide vaccine management and clinical case management system, ensuring seamless integration and support for local health departmen...
1 week ago
$195K - $277K *
Drive innovative clinical oncology studies by designing protocols, collaborating with teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Leverage expertise to analyze data, support publications, and mai...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Integrated Intelligence
$85K - $105K *
Shape impactful insights through analytics, driving data-informed decisions for healthcare clients. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance marketing performance and audience understanding...
Reposted 6 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Drive product growth through data analysis and experimentation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user adoption and engagement. Utilize statistical methods to illuminate user journe...
1 week ago
Staff Machine Learning Engineer
$180K - $195K *
Drive impactful data science initiatives by building and operating ML systems. Manage end-to-end processes from modeling to evaluation, while mentoring a lean team and collaborating across departments...
Reposted 1 week ago
Machine Learning Scientist, Multimodal AI
$124K - $171K *
Champion advanced machine learning techniques to develop multimodal AI systems in biomedical applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance personalized oncology diagnostics and im...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team leading threat intelligence and detection engineering. Shape strategies to protect diverse industries from cyber threats, while building a high-impact program that...
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.