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.
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
Senior Executive Compensation Analyst
$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...
1 week ago
Principal Enterprise Architect
$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...
2 weeks ago
Procurement, Growth & Strategic Relationships Lead
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director, Enterprise Architecture & Engineering
$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...
4 weeks ago
Senior Manager, AI Transformation, Quality Engineering & Delivery Excellence
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Program Executive, Early Phase
$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...
1 week ago
Principal Customer Success Executive, U.S. Federal
$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...
2 weeks ago
Director, Software Engineering
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Corporate Counsel
$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...
4 days ago
Sr. Manager, AI Performance & Operations
$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...
3 weeks ago
Technical Design Manager - Client Services
$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...
Yesterday
$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...
1 week ago
Director, Global Regulatory Liaison - Immunology
$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...
Reposted 4 days ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$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...
4 days ago
Senior Manager, Solutions Consulting
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$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...
Today
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Cloud Security Engineer
$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...
4 days ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior DoD Biomanufacturing Project Manager - Telework
$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...
Today
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.