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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$120K - $160K *

Manage contracts and proposals within the Defense and Civil Space Market, serving as a strategic partner to stakeholders. Leverage federal contracting expertise to drive innovation and navigate comple...

Virginia, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $130K *

Lead the charge in clinical trial monitoring, ensuring compliance and quality through oversight, guidance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance site performance and study execution...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $135K *

Shape the future of clinical trials by leading site monitoring efforts, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration across teams. Drive quality and efficiency in trial execution while mentoring j...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $130K *

Elevate clinical trial success by overseeing site monitoring, ensuring compliance, and providing leadership. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address site issues, enhance recruitment, and ma...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $130K *

Accelerate clinical trial success by leading site monitoring efforts, ensuring compliance, and providing expert guidance to the CRA team. Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve issues and enhance s...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead clinical trial monitoring efforts, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address site issues, manage budgets, and provide oversight. Drive successful study e...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Drive the advancement of enterprise Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) capabilities in contested environments, leading technical studies and architectural development to enhance operat...

Washington, DCRemote

Yesterday

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

$147K - $500K+*

Engineer project success by leading Primavera P6 scheduling efforts, ensuring effective integration and governance of project schedules while providing expert guidance and support to project teams thr...

Upton, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$285K - $325K *

Drive transformational patient impact by leading cross-functional teams and executing strategic drug development programs in an agile environment. Foster collaboration and accountability to deliver in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$151K - $176K *

Lead the charge in ensuring compliance and optimization for next-gen satellite communications by translating complex regulations and providing technical guidance across multidisciplinary teams, drivin...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$166K - $250K *

Lead the charge in driving technical sales of innovative health solutions across payer and employer segments. Foster deep relationships and collaborate with teams to establish partnerships that genera...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Innovate in mission planning by developing autonomous operations for satellite constellations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, prototype code, and optimize algorithms...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Manager in Deployed Engineering, leading hands-on deployments and building a high-performing team. Collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to dri...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Champion global regulatory strategies by providing expert support from development to approval. Lead cross-functional teams and ensure compliance with US and international regulations while fostering...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical development through scientific integrity. Collaborate with Medical Directors to ensure data quality and effective execution of clinical trials, provi...

Maine, USRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Empower project success by managing financial coordination, stakeholder relationships, and full-lifecycle oversight. Drive effective communication and risk management while adapting to changing priori...

St. Louis, MORemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion cost analysis excellence across complex projects, ensuring accurate reporting and strategic guidance. Collaborate with teams to enhance cost control systems and drive successful project deliv...

Houston, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$143K - $203K *

Manage and lead global trade compliance operations, ensuring adherence to import/export regulations and fostering collaboration across teams to enhance efficiency and compliance...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Champion advanced STEM problem design and evaluation, collaborating with research teams to enhance large language models through rigorous analysis and structured solutions across various scientific di...

New York, NYRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$188K - $235K *

Unlock potential by shaping and driving the People Systems roadmap, translating business needs into scalable processes, and managing technology vendors to enhance the employee lifecycle through innova...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead a dynamic account management team, driving strategic relationships with major health systems. Foster high-touch engagement, ensuring customer success and operational excellence while directly man...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Accelerate program implementation and stakeholder engagement in pharmaceutical market access. Oversee daily operations, client relations, and staff management while ensuring adherence to budgets and p...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by leading complex data center projects, ensuring seamless coordination, budget management, and innovative design implementation while collaborating with diverse cross-functional t...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$203K - $245K *

Unlock potential by leading a national team of Thought Leader Liaisons to enhance KOL engagement and advocacy in oncology. Drive strategic initiatives, foster collaboration, and ensure compliance whil...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead and enhance our analytics efforts by managing a skilled team while driving the implementation of business intelligence solutions to optimize Epic EHR usability and performance across diverse appl...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.