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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$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

$96K - $125K *

Manage implementation processes, leading multiple customer launches, and drive improvements in project efficiency and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely, h...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$79K - $115K *

Unlock potential by serving as a strategic compensation resource, collaborating with HR and leadership to design and implement executive compensation programs that attract top talent and ensure market...

Somerville, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$160K - $190K *

Join a team that's driving architectural excellence and AI adoption. You'll optimize cloud systems, enhance data processing, and lead engineering teams to innovate and scale efficiently, ensuring robu...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $190K *

Shape the future of client engagements by leading procurement relations, fostering trust, and unlocking growth opportunities through strategic partnerships that enhance collaboration and drive expansi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Invent and lead the future of enterprise architecture and engineering, driving technical decisions and team management in a dynamic environment. Transform complex systems into scalable, secure solutio...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $180K *

Lead AI transformation and quality engineering initiatives across enterprise environments. Drive multimillion-dollar portfolio management, enhance operational excellence, and coach high-performing tea...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Business Services

$300K - $350K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in early clinical development. Lead cross-functional strategies and execution for a high-priority program, ensuring alignment and decision-making to advance a pot...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $281K *

Join a team that's driving transformative customer success by leveraging ServiceNow solutions. As a strategic advisor, you'll enhance client relationships, optimize platform value, and ensure satisfac...

Vienna, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead and inspire a blended team of developers to enhance AI-driven legal automation platforms, ensuring technical excellence, delivery, and collaboration across functions while managing architecture...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$175K - $210K *

Lead corporate legal strategy and M&A transactions, guiding complex deals and governance. Manage a growing legal team, develop processes, and partner with senior leadership to drive business initiativ...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $173K *

Join a team that's redefining AI-driven quality and performance operations. You'll build systems that enhance frontline team effectiveness and AI agent performance, ensuring impactful coaching and fee...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing complex operational workflows that enhance service delivery and client experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement...

Johnson City, TNRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $160K *

Shape your career by driving political strategy and recruitment efforts. Collaborate with senior leaders and influential figures to identify and mentor the next generation of policy-aligned leaders, m...

Arlington, VARemote

1 week ago

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

$173K - $272K *

Unlock potential by leading global regulatory strategies for immunology projects, ensuring compliance and optimizing product approvals. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and regulatory agencies...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$250K - $300K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role leading customer acquisition in GenAI Safety Services. Own the full sales cycle, engage with senior stakeholders, and position strategic AI solutions to drive impa...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at driving strategic M&A initiatives by managing deal execution, from financial modeling to synergy analysis, while collaborating with senior leadership and ensuring organized proc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$279K - $342K *

Shape the future of security by leading a multidisciplinary team to enhance product, corporate, and information security. Drive strategic initiatives, foster collaboration, and ensure compliance while...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$230K - $280K *

Lead a high-performing team to enhance Solutions Consulting, drive cross-functional collaboration and ensure the success of strategic accounts through innovative, accountable deal execution and contin...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in solving critical engineering challenges, driving technical direction, and fostering team growth. Collaborate across departments to enhance systems, ensuring reliability and innovati...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $130K *

Drive rapid service restoration by leading IT incident management processes, ensuring effective communication and coordination for critical incidents. Leverage expertise in troubleshooting and support...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Accelerate progress at securing cloud environments by designing robust guardrails and automation. Collaborate with engineering teams to embed security into CI/CD pipelines and ensure compliance across...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Manage comprehensive clinical data activities, ensuring oversight from study startup through database lock. Lead cross-functional teams, guarantee vendor performance, and uphold data quality standards...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Drive technical excellence by designing systems, setting standards, and mentoring engineers without formal management. Collaborate with Product to ensure alignment and tackle engineering challenges ac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential by managing complex DoD biomanufacturing projects. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, oversee performance metrics, and develop impactful briefings for leadership in a dynamic...

Bethesda, MDRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.