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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1
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$130K - $163K *

Shape the future of AI in our organization as a strategic leader driving enterprise-wide adoption and integration of AI technologies, enhancing productivity and delivering measurable results through i...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $190K *

Join a transformative team dedicated to driving strategic client growth and enterprise adoption of innovative solutions, while fostering executive relationships and orchestrating cross-functional init...

Tucson, AZRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $199K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in Neuroscience by promoting breakthrough therapies. Engage with healthcare professionals to enhance sales and build lasting relationships while utilizing digital...

California, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $165K *

Elevate your career by driving strategic acquisitions and value creation in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify targets, lead transactions, and build frameworks...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Elevate project outcomes by leading cross-functional teams to deliver clinical research projects on time and within budget, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and client expectations while...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of healthcare technology by leading a talented software team to build scalable APIs and enhance critical infrastructure, ensuring high-quality deliverables that impact millions of pat...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$153K - $213K *

Drive efficiency by automating internal processes, enhancing productivity across teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify bottlenecks, implement AI solutions, and ensure measurable impact on w...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$177K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing Epic clinical systems to enhance research workflows, collaborating with clinical teams to optimize processes and ensure data integrity in a remote settin...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $100K *

Support the CEO Office as an Executive Assistant, facilitating smooth operations, managing schedules, and coordinating high-level events. Drive strategic initiatives and foster collaboration among pee...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $220K *

Optimize GDT's technical vision and architecture for carrier-grade infrastructure. Collaborate with telecommunications leaders to drive strategic initiatives, ensuring exceptional performance and meas...

Minnesota, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Reimagine the landscape of regulatory compliance by guiding the development and implementation of extended producer responsibility programs, ensuring adherence to statutory requirements while collabor...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$150K - $170K *

Lead the charge in transformative project management, driving cross-functional teams to execute multichannel initiatives successfully. Cultivate client relationships, ensure project delivery on-time...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$147K - $192K *

Lead the charge in ensuring continuous regulatory compliance and inspection readiness for R&D technology solutions by executing audit readiness strategies, embedding GxP compliance, and collaborating...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Drive program success by coordinating cross-functional teams, managing reporting, and optimizing engagement strategies for a global enterprise account, ensuring alignment with client goals and employe...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$127K - $137K *

Transform HR operations by conducting in-depth analyses and evaluations to enhance workforce management and program effectiveness. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify improvement opportunities a...

Washington, DCRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Transform subscription retention strategies to drive growth and revenue. Own metrics, analyze data, and collaborate cross-functionally to enhance customer experience and optimize retention initiatives...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to transform blockchain concepts into functional systems. Collaborate with engineers and product teams to prototype, test, and deliver innovative solutions while ensuring operation...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$119K - $186K *

Help us elevate customer experiences by leading complex research initiatives that inform strategic decisions. You'll drive insights using qualitative and quantitative methods while mentoring a team in...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Take ownership of the software development lifecycle, designing and implementing innovative solutions that enhance global health and environmental outcomes while collaborating with cross-functional te...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$98K - $147K *

Empower success by leading strategic programs that enhance clinical, financial, and operational outcomes. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes and ensure alignment with organizational goals, d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Champion the strategic management of a clinical diagnostics portfolio, focusing on clinical chemistry and immunoassay. Drive supplier relationships, optimize performance, and lead growth initiatives w...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$225K - $281K *

Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of oncology research! This key role involves designing and leading clinical trials, ensuring data integrity, and collaborating with global experts to advance...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$225K - $281K *

Explore your career in clinical development as you design and lead innovative oncology studies, ensuring data integrity and compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams and cultivating r...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Deliver expert advisory services to life sciences firms, optimizing government pricing strategies and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with clients to support project execution and drive impactful out...

Philadelphia, PARemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $150K *

Drive product vision and growth at the intersection of AI and science. Leverage strategic and technical expertise to define, prioritize, and enhance cutting-edge product capabilities while collaborati...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.