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.
Bioprocessing Sales Specialist
$137K - $195K *
Unlock potential by driving sales and business development for innovative bioprocessing solutions. Collaborate with key accounts and internal teams to enhance customer satisfaction and market presence...
1 week ago
Bioprocessing Sales Specialist
$136K - $195K *
Drive revenue growth and market adoption of chromatography columns. Engage with biopharmaceutical manufacturers to support process development and commercialization, while building strong relationship...
4 weeks ago
AD / Director - Regulatory Affairs - FSP Team
$150K - $180K *
Deliver strategic regulatory leadership for global development programs, overseeing regulatory strategy and execution from late-stage clinical phases to marketing authorization while ensuring complian...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$130K - $150K *
Unlock potential by leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality capital projects in regulated environments. Drive operational excellence and mentor talent while ensuring compliance with saf...
Today
Director Energy Transition Champion (O&G)
$173K - $249K *
Elevate energy solutions by leading technical advisory services for decarbonization. Collaborate with sales and industry partners to drive project success and influence market strategies, ensuring opt...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical outcomes, architecting production systems, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive innovation and ensure operational excelle...
3 days ago
$162K - $243K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical trials through strategic oversight and collaboration. Lead project management efforts globally, ensuring quality, cost, and timeline objectives are m...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Transform energy solutions by leading diverse projects, conducting analyses, and collaborating with clients. Utilize engineering expertise to drive efficiency and sustainability in various sectors, en...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager, Scanning & Risk Data
$150K - $190K *
Transform cyber risk management by leading product strategy for scanning and risk data. Collaborate across teams to enhance data accuracy, usability, and scalability, ensuring actionable insights for...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager, Scanning & Risk Data
$175K - $220K *
Optimize the product strategy for scanning and risk data, connecting technical systems with user needs. Drive improvements in data quality, usability, and scalability while collaborating across teams...
2 weeks ago
$155K - $210K *
Lead a dynamic team to drive strategic growth and profitability across a portfolio of key accounts, fostering strong partnerships and aligning cross-divisional strategies to enhance customer experienc...
4 days ago
Director/Client Partner - Google, Enterprise AI
$180K - $220K *
Transform enterprise AI partnerships by leading strategic growth initiatives, enhancing relationships, and driving revenue across key Google organizations. Leverage your expertise in AI, cloud, and di...
1 week ago
Staff Data Scientist / Technical Lead (Full-Stack / Production ML)
$160K - $170K *
Lead a high-output data science team, driving end-to-end project delivery and technical direction. Engage deeply in data engineering, governance, and production model delivery while collaborating with...
2 weeks ago
Internal Project Manager / Risk Manager
$100K - $166K *
Champion project execution and risk management in complex energy infrastructure, driving operational efficiency and digital innovation while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance projec...
Today
Manager of Business Analytics, Fraud Ops Automation
$128K - $165K *
Empower Fraud Operations by leading AI-driven automation initiatives, enhancing investigative workflows, and delivering actionable insights to optimize fraud detection and prevention efforts across th...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Healthcare Transformation
$140K - $150K *
Drive transformative initiatives in cancer care navigation. Influence strategic partnerships and implement scalable programs that enhance patient access to evidence-based care, ensuring equity across...
3 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Engineer - RiskOS Agents
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by driving AI-powered workflows from conception to deployment. Engage with strategic partners and large enterprises to translate complex operations into reusable systems that enhance...
4 weeks ago
Director, Market Access & Government Affairs
$190K - $200K *
Strategize market access initiatives to enhance patient access and reimbursement. Oversee government affairs, engage with policymakers, and lead a high-performing team to support Cochlear's innovative...
Reposted 1 week ago
$83K - $118K *
Unlock your potential by leading complex IT/SaaS projects, driving execution, and enhancing business processes. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure project success while utilizing Agile methodolo...
2 weeks ago
Vaccines Specialist, Health and Science Professional - Philadelphia S, PA
$76K - $199K *
Empower our Vaccines team by driving customer engagements and expanding product access. As a key contributor, you will build relationships, develop strategic plans, and assist in executing business ob...
Reposted 1 week ago
Technical Program Manager (TPM)
$115K - $145K *
Engineer innovative systems and processes to enhance product delivery, ensuring cross-functional teams operate efficiently and effectively. Drive execution, manage stakeholder alignment, and facilitat...
1 week ago
International and Operational Genetic Counselor
$76K - $100K *
Contribute to the delivery of preimplantation genetic testing services by providing expert genetic counseling, managing cases, and collaborating with teams to ensure high standards in genetic testing...
2 weeks ago
Functional Lead, AI & Agentforce Delivery
$120K - $145K *
Empower clients by managing AI and Agentforce implementation projects, ensuring strategic planning and execution. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions while fostering strong c...
3 days ago
Functional Lead, AI & Agentforce Delivery
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative AI and Agentforce solutions, managing implementation projects with a focus on customer success. Collaborate with teams to ensure strategic planning and executi...
4 days ago
Business Development Director, DOE
$157K - $283K *
Lead the charge in driving business growth by developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions for federal clients, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional res...
Yesterday
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.