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.
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Drive growth by transforming demand into a sustainable revenue model, leading partnerships and marketing strategies while building systems for repeatable success in a dynamic, mission-driven environme...
Today
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Explore a pivotal role in advancing nuclear engineering through research and collaboration. Lead innovative projects, enhance safety protocols, and drive improvements in fuel cycle technology while ma...
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Senior Director, Global Medical Affairs & Evidence Generation, empasiprubart (MMN)
$180K - $220K *
Shape global medical strategies for MMN, driving evidence generation and launch readiness. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate insights into impactful actions, enhancing patient outco...
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Unlock potential by leading business development efforts within the Air Force, focusing on Enterprise Cloud, Nuke & NC3, or AOCs/C2. Drive contract execution, build relationships, and manage a growing...
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Drive business growth by leading full-lifecycle opportunities within the Space Force, building relationships, shaping solutions, and ensuring contract execution while managing a diverse portfolio and...
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Drive your career with impactful cross-functional programs, leading initiatives from planning to launch. Collaborate with diverse teams to navigate complexity, ensuring successful delivery and continu...
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$102K - $182K *
Join a team that's driving impactful fundraising strategies to secure major gifts for Africa's conservation initiatives. Collaborate with experts to cultivate donor relationships and manage a portfoli...
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Transform IT operations by establishing automated, self-service systems while ensuring ISO compliance. As a crucial partner across functions, you'll enhance security protocols, streamline workflows, a...
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Senior Project Manager - CNS (North America)
$128K - $254K *
Drive the successful delivery of Phase I-IV clinical trials by leading cross-functional teams, managing project timelines, budgets, and quality standards while fostering strong client relationships an...
Reposted today
Principal Customer Education Specialist, Imaging
$110K - $130K *
Elevate customer learning experiences by leading innovative training solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance success in a designated therapeutic area o...
2 weeks ago
Global Contracts Hub Operations Manager (North America)
$166K - $293K *
Transform your career by leading global contracting operations, enhancing processes, and driving efficiency across regions. Collaborate with legal and business teams to optimize workflows and deliver...
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Vice President, Compensation Strategy, Design, and Architecture
$200K - $240K *
Champion the evolution of global compensation frameworks and job architecture, driving organizational alignment and change management initiatives. Lead strategic design and governance to support equit...
1 month ago
Director, Optimization Analyst
$88K - $140K *
Drive the development of predictive analytics models to enhance digital assessment operations, collaborating across teams to optimize decision-making and reduce costs while supporting strategic goals...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $190K *
Shape the future of our technology landscape by architecting scalable, secure systems that empower a high-growth environment through innovative SaaS and AI strategies. Lead the implementation of best...
3 weeks ago
Oceanographic Technology Specialist II - Coastal Modeler
$81K - $91K *
Elevate your career by leading the development and enhancement of coastal models, analyzing hydrodynamic data, and contributing to innovative oceanographic products that support maritime safety and en...
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Join a team that's dedicated to advancing health research through innovative statistical analysis and mentoring. Collaborate with investigators to design studies, prepare publications, and present fin...
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$108K - $130K *
Shape the future of Precision Guided Munitions by leading capture strategies, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with program objectives. Drive innovation and enhance program per...
3 days ago
Director - Statistics - Lilly Regenerative Medicines
$193K - $308K *
Join a team that's redefining statistical leadership in clinical research. Drive innovative study designs, enhance drug development effectiveness, and influence critical decisions through data-driven...
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Drive financial excellence as a senior leader, overseeing operations, strategy, and compliance in a dynamic nonprofit environment. Collaborate with executives to shape growth and ensure transparency a...
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$120K - $140K *
Drive innovative solutions and strategic initiatives, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance operational efficiency and maximize organizational impact. Lead teams towards achieving ambitious goal...
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Innovate and lead client engagements, driving strategic insights and integrated solutions in a fast-paced healthcare environment while mentoring cross-functional teams towards operational excellence a...
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Sr. Health Systems Executive - Share of Wallet
$130K - $215K *
Drive organic growth by enhancing share of wallet within strategic accounts. Build executive relationships, execute account plans, and leverage cross-portfolio solutions to maximize revenue and custom...
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$110K - $130K *
Join us to design and oversee the quality assurance framework for our AI platform. You'll implement automated testing, ensure compliance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain high-q...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $165K *
Drive innovative fraud risk management solutions by leveraging advanced machine learning and data analytics. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance model development and mentor junior data scientist...
6 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.