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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$184K - $287K *

Lead the charge in shaping cutting-edge Agentic AI solutions for enterprise applications. Collaborate with top software companies to architect, optimize, and deploy innovative AI systems, ensuring rob...

Santa Clara, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of data solutions by designing and maintaining robust data infrastructures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, scalable data solutio...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $300K *

Partner with us to tackle complex data challenges and enhance frontier AI model performance. In this critical role, engage with leading AI labs to design innovative datasets and environments while tra...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $220K *

Drive the product vision and strategy for integrated hardware and software ecosystems, overseeing complex technology development while leading a team of Product Managers to achieve growth and innovati...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of technical proposals by collaborating with cross-functional teams to create compelling, scientifically accurate documents that meet client needs and drive business success in the li...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Shape financial strategy by leading FP&A initiatives, collaborating with executives to inform decisions, drive performance metrics, and optimize capital allocation for robust growth in a remote-first...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $105K *

Partner with us to provide exceptional administrative support to a VP, managing complex calendars, travel logistics, and cross-functional relationships while ensuring smooth operations and effective c...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $140K *

Unlock your potential as a Program Manager, leading complex cybersecurity initiatives. Drive project success by coordinating resources, managing timelines, and ensuring the protection of sensitive dat...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $285K *

Lead the development of Test & Code Coverage capabilities, transforming complex challenges into actionable strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and streamlin...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$208K - $235K *

Join a dynamic team to architect scalable cloud solutions, ensuring high engineering standards while collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to drive innovation and governance in a fast-paced...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $160K *

Engineer innovative cloud-native solutions by leading architecture design and implementation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical strategies while mentoring talent, ensuring pro...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $200K *

Transform your career by designing and deploying AI agents that enhance business workflows. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive measurable outcomes through innovative solutions and mentorship in a...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$154K - $196K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic government programs, managing P&L, and driving operational excellence. Oversee contract delivery, mentor staff, and foster client relationships to ensure growth a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $95K *

Transform processes and drive accountability by leading cross-functional projects. Manage initiatives from scoping to completion while maintaining clear communication across teams and ensuring stakeho...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $220K *

Transform the engineering landscape by shaping strategy, fostering collaboration, and leading a high-performing team through rapid change. Drive innovation in AI observability while ensuring alignment...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Grow your career by leading litigation and forensic teams while managing complex projects, exploring innovative solutions, and ensuring exceptional client service in a collaborative environment...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$135K - $178K *

Unlock your potential by leading innovative AI-driven bot solutions, enhancing customer experiences through advanced digital applications. Collaborate with teams to design, develop, and deliver cuttin...

Ontario, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$109K - $260K *

Lead the charge in transforming enterprise technology through innovative AI platforms and process automation. Oversee architecture, engineering, and vendor management to ensure operational excellence...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$232K - $290K *

Lead the charge in optimizing workforce operations and analytics for multi-condition health care services. Develop strategies for capacity planning, staffing, and analytics to drive efficiency and sup...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $400K *

Elevate your career by leading strategic sourcing for datacenter rack development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive supplier strategies, manage vendor relationships, and ensure quality...

Mountain View, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$141K - $191K *

Lead the charge in developing high-impact scientific communications and engagement strategies, collaborating across teams to ensure compliance and compelling communication of clinical evidence to enha...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$157K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving innovation by building AI-powered tools for a vibrant community of diverse software engineers. You'll blend hands-on engineering with community management to enhance technic...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$192K - $260K *

Partner with us to transform R&D capabilities through innovative learning experiences, aligning workforce development with strategic priorities and enhancing employee performance across diverse functi...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $270K *

Lead a dynamic team of analysts and data scientists to optimize marketing strategies, driving impactful insights and experimentation across channels to enhance growth and performance metrics for the o...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$152K - $162K *

Shape the future of enterprise data and integration services. Leverage modern data technologies and strategies to ensure data quality, enhance analytics capabilities, and lead a skilled team while col...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

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.