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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1
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$198K - $368K *

Engineer cutting-edge AI solutions through strategic leadership in IR research, driving innovation in search and knowledge systems while building and mentoring high-performing teams to deliver impactf...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $180K *

Drive impactful scientific communication by overseeing content development across therapeutic areas, ensuring strategic alignment with client goals while managing a team and collaborating with various...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $209K *

Advance analytics initiatives by developing machine learning models and experiments to enhance pro acquisition, activation, and retention, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize s...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$123K - $197K *

Transform the landscape of AI by architecting and optimizing cutting-edge LLMs while collaborating with diverse tech teams to innovate and enhance applications for performance and accuracy in resource...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Shape data-driven solutions by leveraging your expertise in machine learning and analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful insights and ensure seamless deployment in prod...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $165K *

Join a team that's transforming data into actionable insights through advanced statistical methodologies and machine learning, driving innovation in media measurement and analytics across diverse busi...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion the future of healthcare by leading cutting-edge ML research in NLP and clinical AI. Collaborate with experts to translate innovative ideas into impactful solutions that enhance patient outco...

San Francisco, CARemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$148K - $263K *

Drive the design and implementation of AI-First operational environments, architecting resilient multi-cloud networks and building autonomous orchestration layers to enhance security and efficiency ac...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Support clinical studies by assisting with scientific conduct, data reconciliation, and protocol management. Engage with stakeholders to ensure compliance and operational excellence across multiple st...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Drive clinical innovation by supporting the operational delivery of pivotal studies, collaborating cross-functionally, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Play a key role in the medical m...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $220K *

Join a team that's driving innovative therapies in neuroscience. Lead the strategic scientific narrative for key development programs while collaborating across functions to enhance clarity and impact...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Elevate clinical research by assisting with study design, medical monitoring, and compliance to ensure effective execution of clinical trials and contribute positively to patient outcomes in alignment...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $190K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing enterprise AI architecture strategy, ensuring scalable, ethical AI integration across platforms. Drive innovation through Generative and Agentic AI, aligning...

Florida, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$210K - $260K *

Advance your career by leading US government engagement initiatives, shaping policy and funding strategies, and building bipartisan relationships to enhance quantum technology adoption and support nat...

Washington, DCRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $250K *

Drive the development of security and risk management frameworks, leading compliance initiatives and security operations. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure a robust, proactive security culture...

New York, NYRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $350K *

Elevate your career by driving the development of advanced AI models, overseeing pretraining processes, and optimizing training systems to ensure successful outcomes in a collaborative, innovative env...

San Francisco, CARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$133K - $197K *

Drive impactful research by leading technical evaluations and benchmarks in AI. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure principled guidance that integrates social and technical considerations...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$176K - $230K *

Lead the charge in transforming healthcare through data-driven solutions. As a Senior Data Scientist, you'll spearhead projects that enhance patient outcomes, leveraging your expertise to align data s...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $130K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role that involves conducting in-depth research across various topics, delivering actionable insights, and collaborating with a high-performing team to tackle complex q...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$216K - $264K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative projects that drive efficiency and growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact solutions while mentoring junior engineers and enhancin...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform healthcare data solutions by designing scalable architectures, optimizing data pipelines, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-qu...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Transform your career by leading cross-functional teams to drive drug development strategies. Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure successful execution of integrated plans, manage risks, and de...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$196K - $210K *

Partner with us to shape the future of semiconductor workforce development by aligning industry needs with educational strategies, fostering partnerships, and leading initiatives that ensure technical...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Drive strategic initiatives as Chief of Staff, enabling the AI & DT&A Practice Leader to excel while ensuring operational consistency and organizational clarity in a fast-paced, innovation-focused env...

Mclean, VARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate impactful AI integration and operational efficiency by translating CEO priorities into actionable workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance decision-making and streamlin...

Miami, FLRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

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.