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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$150K - $180K *

Lead and enhance cybersecurity operations, ensuring effective incident response, threat detection, and client security assurance. Collaborate cross-functionally to bridge security strategy with tactic...

Los Angeles, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$102K - $125K *

Champion client success by leading a remote service team, driving process improvements, and managing complex data solutions. Collaborate across diverse teams to ensure timely deliverables and enhance...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Contribute to innovative cloud solutions by leveraging your expertise in Azure, C#/.NET, and DevOps practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security, scalability, and performance...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform customer IT service requirements into innovative solutions that enhance loyalty and profitability. Lead technical resources in delivering high-quality financial industry solutions while ensu...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $170K *

Pioneer a high-performing sales team focused on public safety solutions. Drive strategic partnerships, enhance sales processes, and coach executives to excel in complex government sales, ensuring impa...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $188K *

Advance global cybersecurity initiatives as an operational partner to the CISO. Lead strategic planning, guide execution, and ensure alignment with organizational goals while fostering collaboration a...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by driving growth in the US Higher Education market through consultative sales of innovative research solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance customer relationships and achieve i...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

The Security Program Manager will be responsible for securing OpenAI's critical product launches by coordinating security reviews and managing risks across cross-functional teams. This role ensures th...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$172K - $237K *

Lead the charge in driving data science initiatives, transforming complex datasets into strategic insights and scalable solutions that impact multiple business areas while fostering cross-functional c...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$174K - $220K *

Innovate your career by leading data science initiatives that transform complex data into actionable insights. Collaborate cross-functionally to build scalable analytical solutions that drive strategi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $230K *

Develop and evaluate advanced NLP models to transform unstructured data into actionable insights. Collaborate across teams, drive end-to-end solutions, and communicate effectively to bridge technical...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$128K - $178K *

Lead the charge in shaping the future of destination marketing through data-driven insights and innovative product strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experiences a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock your potential as a Data Scientist, driving insights and strategies to elevate brand loyalty programs through data analysis, statistical modeling, and effective collaboration. Make a significan...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$170K - $185K *

Join a team that's redefining tactical communications and networking strategies for unmanned systems. Leverage your expertise to shape connectivity solutions, ensuring seamless data exchange across jo...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$171K - $191K *

Help us build innovative geospatial data products from cutting-edge infrared imaging missions. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to transform raw data into actionable insights, driving impactf...

Denver, CORemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $250K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in robotics and automation. Lead business development efforts in Warehouse/Logistics and Automotive sectors, securing strategic partnerships and pre-sales agreeme...

San Diego, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$198K - $233K *

Empower a team of engineers by architecting a robust AI-driven development pipeline, enhancing workflows across mobile and backend systems, and ensuring reliable, efficient software delivery for milli...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K - $180K *

Inspire innovation by leading the strategy for our AI agent platform. Collaborate across teams to enhance distributor workflows while shaping the future of automation in the industry. Drive measurable...

Toronto, ONRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $200K *

Lead the innovation and implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance data governance, optimize operations, and improve workplace experiences while managing a high-performing team of...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$125K - $150K *

Champion scalable deal operations by leading the Global Deal Desk, optimizing complex agreements across sales, finance, and legal. Drive AI integration to enhance workflows and ensure compliance while...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $240K *

Transform the Human Data Trial lifecycle by leading product vision and execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions, mentor junior members, and drive impactful da...

New Haven, CTRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $210K *

Drive regulatory strategy and leadership in a dynamic biotech environment, ensuring compliance and advancing innovative RNA-based therapeutics through effective global regulatory submissions and stake...

North Carolina, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $275K *

Join a team that's driving strategic technology alliances to transform integrations into robust commercial partnerships, focusing on co-selling, joint marketing, and stakeholder alignment while leadin...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $150K *

Champion transformative AI adoption by working closely with enterprise clients, designing and executing integration solutions that elevate their operations and automate processes, while ensuring susta...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing cloud strategies and governance frameworks for the Judiciary. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance cloud adoption and ensure effective decision-making through compreh...

Virginia, USRemote

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.