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.
Security Engineer (Research Infrastructure)
$346K - $500K+*
Shape a secure future for research technologies. Lead in defining security for multi-cloud environments that enable high-compute research, ensuring safety in CI/CD practices and automated systems for...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Solution Engineer - Applied AI FDE
$201K - $352K *
Join a team that's redefining enterprise AI by building scalable, LLM-enabled applications. Collaborate with customers to deliver impactful solutions, codify reusable assets, and shape the future of A...
2 weeks ago
Director of Information Technology
$160K - $200K *
Transform internal technology strategy and oversight, leading a remote team in governance, AI adoption, and service management to enhance infrastructure and employee experience while ensuring complian...
1 month ago
Sr. Director, Global Governance & Assurance
$167K - $282K *
Lead the charge in shaping global EHS3 strategy, ensuring compliance and operational excellence across diverse functions while driving transformational initiatives and enterprise governance frameworks...
Reposted today
Senior ML Data Scientist - Women's Health
$172K - $203K *
Elevate women's health outcomes by developing advanced machine learning models. Lead projects, mentor junior team members, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and commercia...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the successful delivery of customer projects through all phases, ensuring alignment with business goals by coordinating teams and resources while managing risks and transacting key communicat...
3 weeks ago
Enterprise Sales, Commercial Practice
$140K - $160K *
Drive new business development and revenue growth by leveraging professional networks and sales expertise to secure major client engagements and enhance executive relationships within Fortune 500 comp...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff / Staff II - Application Security Engineer
$220K - $270K *
Unlock potential by guiding application security strategies across diverse product landscapes. In this senior technical role, you'll influence architecture, mentor teams, and enhance security processe...
3 weeks ago
Principal Competitive Intelligence Manager
$145K - $213K *
Shape the future of competitive intelligence by leading win/loss analysis, market insights, and strategic positioning. Collaborate with product marketing to ensure data-driven decisions that enhance o...
2 weeks ago
Executive Director, Clinical Supply Consulting & Intelligence
$250K - $350K *
Lead the development of a clinical supply consulting practice, combining expertise in forecasting, planning, and optimization to enhance decision-making for sponsors. Drive innovation and commercial g...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Manage a talented engineering team, driving software development and community collaboration while maintaining high-quality standards and executing on ambitious goals effectively. Engage directly with...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage your expertise to lead complex HL7 integrations across healthcare systems, enhancing interoperability and data-sharing capabilities. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful implement...
3 weeks ago
Senior Counsel, Technology & Strategic Partnerships
$184K - $253K *
Drive strategic partnerships and technology transactions as a Senior Counsel, overseeing complex agreements and M&A support. Collaborate cross-functionally to build processes and provide business-focu...
2 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of cancer care technology by leading data strategy and operations. Drive AI adoption, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and architect a robust platform that enhances personaliz...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead customer engagement and service delivery in cloud and compliance projects. Manage project lifecycles, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while main...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $195K *
Lead the charge in operational excellence by managing a diverse clinical team across regions, ensuring timely and quality clinical deliverables while driving strategic initiatives and fostering talent...
2 days ago
Protective Intelligence Director
$125K - $150K *
Empower safety by managing protective intelligence operations, overseeing digital risk alerts, and ensuring executive security. Collaborate with law enforcement and deliver briefings while maintaining...
Yesterday
$152K - $223K *
Lead the charge in establishing and guiding an Enterprise API Office, ensuring scalable API governance and collaboration across teams to enhance capabilities and drive efficiency in API management and...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Director, Enterprise Technology & Solutions
$219K - $285K *
Shape the future of digital innovation by leading technology solutions for Commercial and Global Medical Affairs. Foster strategic partnerships, define product vision, and enhance capabilities for suc...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the lifecycle sustainment of hypersonic weapons systems, ensuring operational readiness and technical integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align engineering solutions with fl...
2 weeks ago
Federal Senior Product Analytics Engineer
$142K - $186K *
Deliver trusted, governed product data by designing scalable ELT pipelines and analytics models. Collaborate across teams to ensure data quality and compliance, empowering stakeholders with self-servi...
1 week ago
Sr. Project Manager - Business Transformation Office
$120K - $145K *
Transform operational pursuits by leading due diligence evaluations, assessing feasibility, risks, and benefits. Collaborate with executive leadership and stakeholders to ensure informed decision-maki...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Manage and expand a high-volume portfolio of B2B healthcare accounts, ensuring exceptional customer engagement and retention while driving product adoption and scalable processes in a fast-paced envir...
1 week ago
Director, Audit Transformation
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining audit practices by leading the transition to an agentic operating model. Collaborate across functions to innovate audit methodologies and drive transformation for clients...
3 weeks ago
Enterprise Security Engineer, Vulnerability Management
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by investigating and prioritizing vulnerabilities across enterprise systems, driving remediation, and enhancing security capabilities through automation and AI integration...
1 week ago
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.