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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$260K - $280K *

Innovate and lead the growth of a dynamic MSP/MSSP engineering team by driving scalable platform capabilities, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a culture of quality and collaboration wit...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $185K *

Manage and oversee the operational execution of clinical studies, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations while coordinating with vendors and teams to drive successful trial outcomes...

San Diego, CARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Unlock the potential of global quoting processes by owning the end-to-end CPQ workflow. Drive innovation and efficiency through Salesforce integrations, leading implementation projects while enhancing...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $116K *

Champion data-driven emergency response initiatives by leading analytics, ensuring quality assurance, and collaborating with global teams to enhance decision-making and program effectiveness in infect...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of healthcare by leading complex implementations across provider and payor organizations. Drive project success through collaboration, strategic planning, and innovative solutions whi...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $90K *

Optimize supply chain insights and capabilities, driving client value through data-driven storytelling and collaboration. Lead initiatives that enhance decision-making and foster partnerships, while m...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading Workforce Intelligence initiatives that drive actionable insights across Customer Excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and operat...

Tennessee, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $180K *

Build a robust data foundation to elevate Market Intelligence. Drive automation and streamline data workflows, enriching insights for research and publishing, while ensuring data integrity and accessi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $155K *

Transform complex eDiscovery projects by leading teams through the EDRM lifecycle, ensuring high-quality deliverables and strategic client partnerships in a fast-paced environment...

Philadelphia, PARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$92K - $166K *

Transform supply chain efficiency by managing purchase orders, resolving delays, and driving supplier accountability. Collaborate with teams to mitigate risks and ensure timely delivery, contributing...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $110K *

Elevate the quality assurance process by managing UAT, bug triage, and CI/CD systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure seamless communication and proactive quality management throughout th...

Toronto, ONRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$59K - $106K *

Unlock your potential by supporting diverse EOSH programs for the FAA. Collaborate with a dedicated team, conduct inspections, and provide training while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. E...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$170K - $210K *

Champion innovative clinical programming solutions to enhance trial efficiency and data quality. Lead statistical analysis and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while collaborating with cros...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to bridge technical solutions and customer needs in a dynamic, cross-functional role. Utilize your expertise to drive adoption of AI agents, influencing product roadmaps and enhancing...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $160K *

Deliver impactful financial management solutions by leading a team of 8-10 professionals in federal financial systems. Engage with stakeholders to analyze data, support decision-making, and ensure suc...

Arlington, VARemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$215K - $225K *

Lead the charge in optimizing logistics engineering strategies to enhance operational performance, drive efficiency, and support scalable growth across transportation and warehousing operations...

Trenton, NJRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$80K - $95K *

Transform your career with a dynamic role managing large-scale imaging equipment installations. You will lead projects, ensure customer satisfaction, and drive cross-functional collaboration while mee...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $160K *

Join a team that's committed to enhancing our cybersecurity and GRC programs. You'll drive initiatives across risk management, compliance, and operational security, playing a vital role in strengtheni...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$228K - $285K *

Join us to build internal actuarial capabilities, measuring and pricing economic value across programs. Collaborate with Finance, Clinical, and Commercial teams to develop robust ROI models and perfor...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $170K *

Shape the future of healthcare technology by leveraging your expertise to drive sales success. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions, engage customers, and enhance prod...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in product innovation by managing the full lifecycle from ideation to launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technical and business goals, ensuring successful product...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$109K - $184K *

Join a dynamic team to shape policy strategies and funding opportunities that enhance public sector technology adoption. This cross-functional role requires coalition-building skills and in-depth know...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$155K - $233K *

Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge algorithms for minimal residual disease detection in oncology, enhancing therapeutic strategies through innovative analytics and robust experimental design w...

San Diego, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $200K *

Transform client relationships and drive growth strategies within HHS, leveraging market insights and technology to identify opportunities and enhance mission impact. Engage directly with stakeholders...

Washington, DCRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$210K - $250K *

Help us redefine clinical trial safety by managing comprehensive drug development processes. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure adherence to standards, provide medical consultation, an...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.