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.
$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...
1 month ago
Engineering Manager, Federal & Regulated Infrastructure
$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...
3 days ago
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Product - Oncology
$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...
4 weeks ago
Sr Director, Nonclinical Safety
$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...
2 days ago
Managing Counsel, Data Center & Infrastructure
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Associate Director, Scientific Affairs - PRIME Education
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Account Director, Promotional Medical Education
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Medical Monitor (US Board-Certified Gastroenterologist)
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Engineering Recruiting
$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...
2 days ago
Federal Senior Principal Engineer, Solutions Architecture - SOCOM
$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...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Recruiter - Leadership & Professional Search
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Director, Integrated Specialty Practices
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Back-End (Security Controls)
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Principal AI Transformation Consultant, Professional Services
$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...
1 week ago
Clinical Laboratory Supervisor
$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...
3 weeks ago
Partner Manager, AI Ecosystems
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks 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.