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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$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Indiana, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Florida, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Lone Tree, CORemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Trumbull, CTRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

CanadaRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

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

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.