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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$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of Geospatial AI by developing cloud-native services and backend systems. Collaborate with top engineers and data scientists to deliver innovative solutions that transform vast data i...

Springfield, VARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential as a Software/ML Engineer, collaborating on cutting-edge Geospatial AI projects. Contribute to cloud-native services and backend systems, driving innovation from concept to deplo...

Reston, VARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming healthcare through creativity and strategy. As an Account Supervisor, you'll lead client projects, foster relationships, and mentor junior staff, ensuring...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$119K - $186K *

Lead and manage multiple accreditation projects, ensuring high-quality client deliverables. Collaborate with consulting professionals to enhance service delivery and develop innovative solutions in he...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$134K - $219K *

Lead clinical laboratory operations for precision medicine projects, ensuring timely deliverables and risk management across therapeutic areas. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support clini...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$124K - $238K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of spacecraft systems engineering. Leverage your expertise to lead cross-functional teams in developing complex spacecraft designs, ensuring compliance, and drivi...

Palo Alto, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$265K - $295K *

Lead the charge in regulatory operations, managing submissions and compliance strategies to ensure global regulatory alignment and efficiency across multiple teams and projects...

Hayward, CARemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $175K *

Deliver exceptional results by driving new license revenue and renewals. Manage complex sales cycles, build strong relationships, and leverage AI tools to meet customer needs in the federal sector. Jo...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $165K *

Champion safety in innovative nuclear fuel recycling by evaluating hazards, developing safety documents, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate in a dynamic team to enhance safety measu...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $107K *

Partner with us to drive strategic HR initiatives that enhance employee engagement and organizational effectiveness, while providing consultative support across the employee lifecycle in a dynamic env...

Brookline, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $181K *

Champion the growth of the Security Engineering team, driving collaboration across functions to enhance cybersecurity. Utilize your technical expertise and leadership skills to mentor talent, manage s...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform the Digital Engagement portfolio by leading technical initiatives, driving scalable architectures, and mentoring engineering teams to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance c...

Manitoba, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $144K *

Lead the charge in architecting and securing a global Zero Trust ecosystem, overseeing DNS Security, IPAM, and Secure Vendor Remote Access. Drive strategy, standards, and innovation while mentoring te...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

Lead the development of innovative Generative AI solutions, overseeing end-to-end processes from design to deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise systems and ensure...

Florida, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $215K *

Elevate growth at top global accounts by leading strategic sales initiatives, building executive relationships, and driving value-based solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve am...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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

Today

  •   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 yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

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.