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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$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

$106K - $190K *

Join a dynamic Threat Intelligence team to drive vulnerability detection and response, enhancing security measures and protecting policyholders through innovative solutions and collaboration across mu...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Drive evidence-based healthcare improvements by leading evaluations and strategic analyses. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance Military Health System outcomes through expert consultat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$180K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping AI adoption in leading enterprises. Engage directly with clients to rebuild functions, leveraging industry Blueprints and delivering impactful solutions in Financial Service...

Los Angeles, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $210K *

Lead the charge in transforming people analytics by applying causal inference and advanced statistical methods to drive strategic decisions on recruitment, retention, and compensation across the organ...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$61K - $122K *

Transform clinical genetic curation by collaborating cross-functionally to enhance genomic testing, ensuring compliance with guidelines while supporting innovative health initiatives and improving pat...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

Lead decision science projects, guiding teams and delivering data-driven solutions for Federal clients using machine learning and optimization techniques. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure impac...

Atlanta, GARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$215K - $243K *

Transform corporate payments by leveraging data science and machine learning to uncover high-value opportunities. Drive revenue growth and build intelligent payment products through innovative analysi...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $160K *

Drive WellTheory's growth in benefits consulting by cultivating strong partnerships, educating consultants, and supporting client strategies. This hands-on, individual contributor role requires strate...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$132K - $237K *

Join a dynamic team to architect and implement global security compliance frameworks, driving enterprise-wide initiatives and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards across complex cloud environmen...

Cambridge, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at Army formations by leading the autonomy integration campaign. Drive customer relationships, oversee pipeline management, and convert prototypes into funded positions while shapi...

Michigan, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Discover innovative security solutions for AI technologies, ensuring compliance and best practices across product development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement secure ar...

Morrisville, NCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$159K - $219K *

Advance security initiatives by designing, implementing, and embedding robust security practices across AI-driven product development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to safeguard applications...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$162K - $190K *

Lead the charge in developing scalable analytics and KPI frameworks, ensuring trusted metrics drive impactful business decisions. Collaborate cross-functionally to standardize measurement and enhance...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $150K *

Champion clinical innovation by leading Phase I-IV studies, utilizing advanced statistical methods to drive insights and enhance decision-making. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure succ...

Cambridge, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$152K - $205K *

Join our team to optimize fraud detection models, transforming data into actionable insights. Collaborate across departments to enhance risk management and ensure robust protection against evolving fr...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Empower enterprise initiatives by leading complex projects that drive strategic outcomes, enhance governance, and align cross-functional teams. Utilize your expertise to manage risks, ensure accountab...

Indiana, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI initiatives, driving strategic development and implementation across the Health Systems and Government Services unit to enhance operational excellence and cu...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$242K - $275K *

Lead the charge in developing and deploying robust containerized software, manage CI/CD workflows, and grow a cohesive engineering team to enhance customer security operations and software delivery ac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$215K - $250K *

Elevate customer engagement by leading a transformative Customer Experience strategy that blends human interaction and advanced tech. Drive product adoption, retention, and revenue growth by optimizin...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $205K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team in developing autonomous operations for satellite management. Drive innovation and efficiency across multiple projects while ensuring technical excellence and operation...

Seattle, WARemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead a team managing complex assignments in commercial and personal property lines, ensuring best-in-class service and expert reporting. Drive project management, negotiations, and client relations fo...

Florida, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $250K *

Transform the aviation tech landscape as a founding CEO. Drive innovation, shape strategy, and lead a dynamic team to solve critical industry challenges while partnering with a top airline and tier-on...

San Francisco, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$200K - $250K *

Join a team that's shaping growth strategies for Federal Civilian accounts. Leverage your expertise in federal markets to drive business development, capture opportunities, and enhance customer relati...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$210K - $250K *

Empower oncology research by leveraging real-world evidence and clinical expertise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that enhance cancer treatment and support bi...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 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.