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.
Associate Director, Enterprise Architecture
$170K - $190K *
Shape the enterprise architecture landscape by aligning technology across core platforms, establishing standards, and driving strategic initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance...
2 weeks ago
Senior Project Manager, Campaign Operations
$180K - $200K *
Manage the campaign calendar and ensure timely launches by transforming customer requests into actionable specs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain project alignment and drive success...
1 week ago
Global Account Executive - Life Sciences | Luma
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by driving digital transformation in Life Sciences. Engage with CxOs and R&D teams to deliver innovative SaaS solutions, navigate complex sales cycles, and build lasting partnerships...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Web Experience Delivery
$179K - $246K *
Drive your career forward by leading a dynamic team that crafts and delivers exceptional digital experiences. Oversee web content, UX design, and front-end development while ensuring quality and opera...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Optimize healthcare operations by analyzing equipment utilization, reducing unnecessary rentals, and driving impactful process improvements through data-driven insights and strong partnerships with cl...
1 week ago
Manager, Datacenter Operations
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team as a technical manager responsible for shaping the strategy and architecture of Microsoft Cloud Services, ensuring secure, compliant, and efficient cloud operations aligned with bu...
4 weeks ago
Senior Director, Frontier AI Research, Bay Area, NY
$210K - $250K *
Lead the development of innovative AI solutions by engaging with top researchers and translating complex research objectives into actionable plans. Drive the growth of our Frontier AI unit through tec...
Reposted 6 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by providing expert legal support in contract management, collaborating effectively with counsel and stakeholders to enhance contracting processes and ensure compliance in a fast-pace...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Performance Strategist, Collections
$120K - $170K *
Contribute to performance optimization by diagnosing shifts in a $30B portfolio. Leverage data insights to drive strategic recommendations, enhance client outcomes, and collaborate with cross-function...
2 days ago
Medical Director / Senior Medical Director - Neurology
$210K - $250K *
Drive impactful clinical trials by providing medical oversight and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with teams to manage safety profiles and support business development, enhancing dr...
1 week ago
VP, Corporate Security Center of Excellence
$180K - $220K *
Transform security leadership by developing a global risk management strategy that safeguards assets and fosters a culture of vigilance. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance crisis response, complia...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us in shaping the future of maternal and newborn health by leading innovative strategies in commodity financing and procurement. Drive impactful change at global and country levels to ensure esse...
Today
Vice President, CMC Regulatory Affairs
$272K - $340K *
Elevate your career by leading CMC Regulatory strategy and execution. Drive submissions, build a high-performing team, and engage with global health authorities to ensure compliance and success in dru...
3 days ago
Global Customer Service Process Lead
$179K - $246K *
Transform global customer service processes by leading strategic initiatives, ensuring compliance, and enhancing customer experience across 37 countries in a dynamic, regulated environment. Drive cont...
3 weeks ago
Sr Manager Financial Planning and Analysis
$125K - $150K *
Lead the Corporate FP&A function, overseeing forecast consolidation, monthly reporting, and financial analysis. Collaborate with finance and business partners to ensure accuracy and transparency in fi...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Managed Programs
$120K - $145K *
Pioneer cross-functional programs, managing teams to deliver crucial initiatives. Drive alignment across departments, enhance operational excellence, and elevate program delivery practices while track...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director of Applied AI Engineering
$207K - $290K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic Applied AI team, transforming innovative AI solutions into production-ready systems within a regulated financial environment, while collaborating across depart...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in guiding cross-domain AI and data initiatives, while designing seamless data pipelines and empowering teams to deliver actionable insights and scalable data products for maximum busi...
4 weeks ago
Legal Operations & Compliance Lead
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer impactful legal operations and compliance practices that enhance team efficiency. Oversee systems, processes, and compliance initiatives that support a dynamic, fast-growing global business en...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate software delivery by managing the release lifecycle, coordinating cross-functional teams, and driving efficiencies through advanced tooling. Utilize program management expertise to ensure reli...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior ML Systems Engineer, Inference
$150K - $220K *
Transform LLM inference efficiency by leading the performance measurement, diagnosis, and enhancement efforts to optimize customer experience through cost-effective and speedy solutions in a hands-on...
3 weeks ago
Service Delivery Integration (SDI) Tower Director
$150K - $225K *
Champion service integration by leading a multivendor framework that enhances collaboration, accountability, and performance across IT operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery for veterans an...
1 week ago
Sr. Manager, Enterprise Revenue Architect
$181K - $239K *
Join a team that's driving revenue transformation through AI solutions. You'll lead a high-performing group, architect workflows, and partner with executives to deliver measurable business outcomes ac...
1 week ago
Supply Chain Risk Management Specialist
$92K - $166K *
Shape the future of supply chain security by conducting risk assessments, translating complex data into actionable insights, and collaborating with key stakeholders to enhance the FAA's cybersecurity...
2 weeks ago
Project Director, Virtual Services
$85K - $105K *
Transform virtual resettlement services by leading a national portfolio that enhances access for refugees. Oversee strategy, implementation, and compliance while fostering partnerships and innovative...
2 days 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.