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 - $200K *

Transform risk management by leading a national team focused on claims, clinical risk reduction, and innovative AI solutions to improve outcomes. Drive strategic oversight and implement best practices...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead network engineering efforts to enhance tactical capabilities in air defense systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure secure information exchange and compliance across all phase...

Huntsville, ALRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $170K *

Transform complex Federal consulting engagements by leading diverse teams, establishing strategies, and ensuring practical outcomes that enhance government capabilities and client trust...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$227K - $280K *

Lead the charge in shaping enterprise intelligence strategy, enhancing data governance, and driving analytics transformation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable insights and...

Des Plaines, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Support clinical research initiatives by providing expert medical and scientific guidance on medical products, trials, and regulatory compliance, ensuring effective collaboration with DoD and FDA stak...

Bethesda, MDRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $135K *

Lead the technology strategy for a dynamic software development team, overseeing modernization efforts and AI integration across multiple product lines. Foster innovation, accountability, and continuo...

Georgia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative modeling approaches for power utilization across large-scale infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance decision-making and optimize re...

Menlo Park, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $250K *

Reimagine growth strategies within federal agencies, focusing on enhancing digital services and customer engagement. Leverage your expertise to drive business development, capture opportunities, and f...

Washington, DCRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $175K *

Optimize data analytics support for lab production operations by leading a dedicated team in a dynamic environment. Drive innovation, ensure compliance, and enhance operational effectiveness while mak...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Unlock the potential of data as a senior data scientist, transforming U.S. Army enterprise data into impactful analytical products and workflows, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to dri...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the architectural vision for scalable Identity Resolution platforms, driving innovation in enterprise applications and data processing. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure robust, high-p...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $145K *

Elevate revenue and risk strategies by leveraging data insights to drive impactful business decisions. Collaborate across teams to optimize processes, influence product development, and enhance client...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive impactful projects in public health by leading teams, managing RFPs, and ensuring client satisfaction through effective collaboration and clear communication...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$83K - $110K *

Lead operational excellence by managing complex training programs and enhancing processes for a statewide initiative, ensuring effective communication and client engagement while fostering a high-perf...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$139K - $163K *

Advance your career as a strategic legal partner by providing product and privacy counsel that balances compliance with innovation. Collaborate across teams to develop scalable solutions that support...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$247K - $321K *

Accelerate progress at a high-growth SaaS organization by leading the Product & Technology PMO, driving execution excellence across R&D initiatives and fostering strategic alignment to scale operation...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$103K - $138K *

Lead the charge in ensuring quality assurance for Field Engineering projects, acting as the key liaison among internal teams and customers. Oversee inspections, audits, and corrective actions to meet...

Virginia, USRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$103K - $138K *

Lead the charge in deploying and managing complex network installations, ensuring quality control and effective project execution while collaborating with internal teams and subcontractors to meet ope...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$103K - $138K *

Engineer and oversee site implementations, ensuring quality control and effective project management for network installations. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot and maintain operational standard...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$156K - $235K *

Accelerate your career by leading Theranostics initiatives within a national healthcare advisory team. Collaborate with executives to enhance patient outcomes and operational performance through strat...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$172K - $202K *

Lead innovative insights and strategies as a Senior Director, driving impactful research and analysis to empower clients in navigating complex market challenges and achieving their business objectives...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $235K *

Grow your career with a role leading cloud security strategy across multi-cloud environments. As a key decision-maker, you will enhance enterprise security frameworks while driving innovation, complia...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Empower life sciences innovation by evaluating AI model outputs, ensuring quality and accuracy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance predictive analytics and insights, bridging clinical...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $200K *

Unlock potential by leading complex AI engagements that drive business value. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions, ensuring successful delive...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$128K - $254K *

Lead the charge in managing clinical trials from initiation to closeout, ensuring project deliverables meet quality, time, and cost expectations while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to dri...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.