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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$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

California, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

South San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Philadelphia, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Waltham, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Toronto, ONRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Markham, ONRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Rockville, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical 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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

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

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.