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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$110K - $130K *

Shape your career by leading third-party vendor risk assessments, identifying control gaps, and enhancing enterprise security compliance across various technology environments while collaborating with...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$215K - $315K *

Lead the charge in building secure, compliant infrastructure for our DaaS platform. Drive engineering excellence while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet the needs of regulated customer...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $140K *

Pioneer GxP compliance in digital quality management, ensuring software and AI products meet regulatory standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance quality processes and support audits, drivin...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $200K *

Optimize the future of oncology by driving product strategy, engaging key opinion leaders, and translating complex needs into innovative healthcare solutions that improve patient care and clinician ex...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$237K - $307K *

Drive innovative research in toxicologic pathology, leveraging your expertise to enhance drug development processes and regulatory interactions, while mentoring teams and fostering collaboration acros...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in major data center transactions, structuring complex deals and managing long-term infrastructure relationships to drive growth and strategic initiatives for the business...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $195K *

Take ownership of designing automated systems and robotic equipment for remote operations in radiological environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective integration and perf...

Oak Ridge, TNRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $180K *

Lead and innovate sales strategies to drive revenue growth in the Gov/Ed sector. Collaborate with teams to enhance market share, develop strong partnerships, and ensure alignment across sales processe...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career by leading complex divestiture initiatives. Drive alignment and manage interdependencies in a transformative environment, ensuring successful execution across varied business funct...

Phoenix, AZRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career as you lead the development of high-quality medical content, manage grant processes, and create innovative educational strategies in a collaborative environment focused on improvin...

Florida, USRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$170K - $200K *

Advance data-driven transformation by shaping a strategic foundation for AI. Collaborate across departments to innovate solutions that enhance organizational data environment and support AI initiative...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Partner with us to drive strategic healthcare marketing initiatives. Lead client relationships, oversee peer-to-peer programs, and mentor team members to ensure compliance and achieve results while fo...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of corporate governance and entity management, ensuring compliance and efficiency across multiple subsidiaries. Support M&A and financing activities while maintaining a clean corporate...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Empower operational excellence by supporting C-suite executives with complex scheduling, stakeholder coordination, and proactive management of priorities in a fast-paced environment. Bring your expert...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$210K - $250K *

Innovate with us to enhance patient safety in global clinical studies. As a key medical expert, you'll provide critical input, oversee trial safety, and collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in engineering recruiting by shaping hiring strategies, developing a high-performing team, and enhancing scalable processes to support growth while personally managing senior leadershi...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Advance your career by joining a dynamic team focused on delivering innovative enterprise solutions. Engage with a variety of technologies while supporting mission-critical systems. Drive customer suc...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to identifying and recruiting top-tier leadership talent across various sectors. Engage in full-cycle recruiting or selected stages, leveraging your expertise to connect w...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$135K - $160K *

Champion regulatory strategy and lead insurance affairs, engaging with regulators and advising clients on AI and imagery use. Build a robust filing program and ensure compliance while shaping industry...

Lehi, UTRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Help us drive business development in oncology by leading strategic partnerships and optimizing resources to enhance clinical outcomes and market potential for our innovative diagnostic and therapeuti...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$199K - $270K *

Tackle the complexities of backend engineering by developing robust API integrations, building ETL pipelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and performanc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $90K *

Analyze and deliver data management solutions to support public health research, utilizing advanced statistical software and collaborating with project leaders to enhance data quality and reporting fo...

Massachusetts, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$100K - $185K *

Transform complex workflows by leading AI-driven change initiatives, guiding senior leaders through redesign and adoption processes, and ensuring measurable outcomes in legal, tax, and trade sectors...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$91K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to excellence in clinical lab operations, overseeing staff performance and ensuring compliance with quality standards. Lead daily activities, foster team development, and...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $175K *

Empower Apollo's frontier partnerships by deepening collaborations with AI-native platforms and foundation model companies. Analyze the evolving landscape and drive monetization strategies while build...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.