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.
$171K - $269K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data, develop strategies, and influence product roadmaps. Use technical expertise to solve business challenges and communicate insights effectively t...
1 week ago
Remote | Biology Expert (PhD/Master's)
$100K - $120K *
Bring your expertise to advanced biology research by designing complex problems, developing solutions, and evaluating AI models. Collaborate with teams to enhance scientific reasoning and contribute t...
2 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's pioneering solutions in High-Performance Computing, enhancing customer workflows, optimizing HPC software, and implementing best practices to achieve outstanding customer satisfacti...
4 weeks ago
Business Development Sales Manager, Public Safety
$100K - $120K *
Take ownership of transformational sales efforts within the Public Safety sector, leveraging your expertise in Microsoft solutions to foster relationships, drive pipeline growth, and deliver impactful...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Revenue Operations & AI Systems Lead
$110K - $130K *
Transform revenue operations by leading a dynamic team, optimizing CRM systems, and integrating AI solutions to enhance sales processes and drive growth in a high-velocity environment...
2 weeks ago
$92K - $102K *
Lead the charge in quality assurance within a groundbreaking team, innovating processes and systems that deliver cutting-edge cell therapy solutions, ensuring compliance and excellence throughout ever...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform clients' digital strategies by leading pre-sales initiatives. Engage, inspire, and coach stakeholders through innovative solutions, ensuring alignment with business goals and implementing At...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director, Commercial CMC Programs
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in developing and executing CMC strategies to optimize manufacturing processes and commercial operations, ensuring alignment with project goals through effective collaboration across t...
Reposted today
Director, Commercial CMC Programs
$150K - $180K *
Empower the execution of CMC strategies by collaborating across teams to enhance production, streamline operations, and drive commercial success for innovative therapeutics and diagnostics, ensuring a...
Reposted today
$180K - $235K *
Join us to lead legal strategies and manage external legal matters in a dynamic consumer finance environment. You'll advise on litigation, regulatory issues, and business initiatives, ensuring effecti...
Reposted 4 days ago
Sr. Principal Product Manager, AI Agents
$185K - $195K *
Transform the future of fitness by defining and leading the product vision for AI Agents. Collaborate across teams to innovate solutions that enhance customer experiences and drive business growth in...
6 days ago
$94K - $266K *
Lead the charge in transforming customer engagements by managing AWS solutions delivery, ensuring client satisfaction, and driving strategic growth through strong relationships and innovative practice...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead customer relationships and delivery for AWS engagements, ensuring satisfaction and quality. Collaborate with sales for account growth, guide project teams, and drive AI-enabled solutions while ma...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Observability Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading a high-impact engineering team focused on observability. Drive technical roadmaps, enhance platform reliability, and ensure operational excellence while collaborating with...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Manage a dedicated team to enhance patient access to complex medications, ensuring operational excellence and compliance while delivering exceptional experiences. Guide strategic improvements to optim...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Program Manager, Global Markets
$100K - $120K *
Lead market-shaping initiatives to enhance access to diagnostics, negotiate with industry stakeholders, and collaborate on strategic product strategies for low- and middle-income countries, thereby im...
4 weeks ago
Associate Director, Advanced Technologies, Case Insights
$140K - $160K *
Lead complex client engagements by leveraging AI and advanced analytics to deliver actionable litigation insights. Collaborate across teams to design effective solutions, mentor staff, and ensure high...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Data Scientist - Supply Chain
$100K - $155K *
Shape the future of supply chain analytics by leading advanced forecasting and optimization initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement machine learning models that e...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director, Global Real-World Evidence & Health Outcomes Scientist, Oncology
$204K - $340K *
Lead the charge in generating impactful real-world evidence to support oncology products, ensuring alignment with market needs and regulatory requirements while collaborating across teams to drive evi...
4 days ago
Senior Business Systems Architect
$167K - $183K *
Lead the charge in optimizing G&A technology solutions, enhancing business processes through AI and automation. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive efficiency and compliance, ensuring scalable grow...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Business Continuity
$110K - $130K *
Transform enterprise resilience by leading strategic initiatives in crisis management, business continuity, and disaster recovery. Collaborate across functions to enhance operational readiness and ens...
2 weeks ago
Proposal Lead - Government Business Solutions [543]
$111K - $153K *
Elevate your career by spearheading complex proposals for government hardware projects. Leverage your expertise in advanced computing and proposal leadership while collaborating with cross-functional...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Medical Director, General Medicine
$180K - $220K *
Drive clinical excellence by providing medical expertise across therapeutic areas, ensuring safety and integrity in clinical trials. Collaborate with project teams and senior management to enhance cli...
1 week ago
$151K - $216K *
Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative solutions, drive technical excellence, and foster collaboration while serving the U.S. Government in a hybrid work env...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager (RD165)
$135K - $160K *
Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...
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.