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.
Director of Data Science and Bioinformatics
$186K - $232K *
Innovate within a dynamic team by establishing bioinformatics capabilities, architecting scalable infrastructure, and enhancing genomic algorithms to drive excellence in women's and organ health produ...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Program Chief Engineer, Cyclops (Remote considered)
$190K - $275K *
Elevate technical excellence as the Chief Engineer, guiding multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success through robust architecture, requirements management, and strategic decision-making in com...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $185K *
Lead the development of innovative AI products that empower job seekers with evidence-based coaching and actionable insights, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to shape impactful...
1 week ago
$160K - $200K *
Champion the development of policy strategies that guide product decisions, ensuring compliance and safety while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tr...
1 week ago
Research Project Manager, Executive Operations
$75K - $145K *
Empower our leadership team by managing complex operations and enhancing productivity. Collaborate across diverse teams to support high-priority initiatives at the intersection of AI and national secu...
1 week ago
Director, Product Management, Scientific Services
$190K - $230K *
Shape the future of scientific services by leading global product strategy, driving revenue growth, and ensuring operational excellence. Collaborate with experts to deliver innovative solutions that m...
3 weeks ago
Senior Scientific Director, Neurodegenerative Diseases
$265K - $300K *
Shape the future of neurodegenerative disease diagnostics by leading scientific strategy, driving research programs, and building expert networks to establish industry leadership in innovative solutio...
3 weeks ago
Executive Director, Evidence Generation and Scientific Communications
$175K - $210K *
Lead evidence generation and scientific communications to support innovative gene therapy initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify evidence gaps and execute strategic plans, en...
1 week ago
Senior Data Scientist (Remote)
$185K - $205K *
Empower your career as a Data Scientist, driving cloud-based solutions for Veterans Affairs. Collaborate with clients to modernize data workflows, harness AI, and deliver impactful data products that...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Director of Client Experience, Lab Network
$125K - $160K *
Drive client success in our lab network by managing relationships, ensuring renewals, and identifying growth opportunities. Collaborate across teams to enhance processes and improve client experiences...
6 days ago
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's redefining forensics and collections globally. Lead a skilled team, enhance operational efficiency, and drive client engagement while ensuring compliance and defensibility across re...
2 days ago
Principal Applied Scientist (User Modeling)
$195K - $312K *
Advance user modeling by driving complex AI projects end-to-end, collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate cutting-edge research into impactful solutions for home shopping experiences...
2 days ago
SENIOR KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ANALYST
$87K - $135K *
Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic Knowledge Management program that enhances IT support services, fosters collaboration, and drives efficiency for a large-scale enterprise environment. Make a...
3 days ago
Capture & Business Development Manager
$85K - $110K *
Drive business growth by identifying and qualifying federal procurement opportunities, focusing on healthcare contracts. Collaborate on capture strategies and build partnerships to enhance win probabi...
Today
Drug Discovery Resource Outsourcing Manager
$110K - $130K *
Engage in early-stage drug discovery by triaging research requests, managing CRO partnerships, and ensuring seamless execution of outsourced projects. Leverage scientific expertise and Mandarin fluenc...
1 week ago
$199K - $276K *
Drive enhancements to our unsecured underwriting models through rigorous research and experimentation. Collaborate with engineering teams to translate findings into scalable solutions that improve cre...
6 days ago
Staff+ Software Engineer, Memory & Search
$405K - $485K *
Join us to design and build innovative memory and search experiences that enhance user interaction across platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful products that prioritiz...
3 days ago
$126K - $160K *
Drive impactful software solutions by collaborating with sales teams, leading demos, and managing technical inquiries. Leverage your expertise to enhance customer experiences and support enterprise tr...
Today
Grants Consultant - Scientific Research Focus
$82K - $110K *
Champion grant proposal excellence by collaborating with clients to enhance competitiveness in scientific research funding. Drive impactful outcomes through expert consulting, training, and proposal d...
4 days ago
Research Engineer / Scientist - Reinforcement Learning
$150K - $350K *
Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge reinforcement learning algorithms and frameworks. Collaborate on scaling research and training systems, focusing on your strengths to enhance AI capabilitie...
6 days ago
$354K - $416K *
Elevate your career as a Medical Director, overseeing utilization management with a focus on clinical excellence and compliance. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high standards of ca...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Empower your career by leading post-sale experiences for top Enterprise clients. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive customer success and digital transformation in Life Sciences, ensuring...
3 weeks ago
Lead Applied Scientist, Document Understanding
$147K - $274K *
Develop advanced document understanding systems to enhance legal content processing. Collaborate across teams to design, deploy, and evaluate models that drive measurable impact in legal, tax, and acc...
5 days ago
Director of Engineering- Integrated Sensor Team
$150K - $180K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading a multidisciplinary team to design, develop, and scale integrated hardware and software systems, ensuring reliability, quality, and operational effectiveness in...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Support Scientist for Operational Wave Modeling Development
$100K - $120K *
Drive advancements in operational wave modeling by enhancing predictive capabilities, integrating innovative AI techniques, and collaborating across sectors to protect coastal communities and improve...
3 weeks 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.