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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$150K - $180K *

Elevate operational excellence by leading strategic initiatives and scaling growth in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Collaborate closely with the CEO and leadership team to drive measurable result...

Oregon, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$165K - $175K *

Deliver seamless integration of security operations by managing vendor teams, mentoring embedded employees, and aligning strategies with client objectives while fostering communication and operational...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$203K - $228K *

Join a dynamic team to lead strategic manufacturing operations, integrating technical and business insights to drive successful commercialization and lifecycle management of biologics and cell therapi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $135K *

Join us to build and scale a high-performing PMO, leading project management initiatives while developing talent and establishing processes that enhance client delivery and satisfaction in the public...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $135K *

Optimize operational efficiency and drive pipeline growth through data-driven insights and collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Operations teams, ensuring scalable success in a fast-paced...

North Carolina, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer innovative solutions by partnering with customers and teams to transform AI and HPC requirements into reliable deployments, driving success through technical depth and collaboration across fun...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $110K *

Accelerate progress at pediatric mental health care by leading clinical quality assurance and supervision, mentoring clinicians, and providing evidence-based therapy to children and families in a full...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$217K - $271K *

Launch your career by owning the national Field Excellence model, managing operations for a groundbreaking oncology therapy. Collaborate with sales leaders to enhance prescriber access and streamline...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$124K - $199K *

Unlock potential by leading a comprehensive compliance management system, ensuring audit readiness and regulatory adherence across multiple domains while fostering cross-functional collaboration and s...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $150K *

Shape the future of healthcare connectivity by leading product strategy and delivery for advanced imaging solutions. Leverage your expertise in DICOM, FHIR, and cloud technologies to drive innovation...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $210K *

Join a tenured team specializing in data analysis for life sciences. Leverage your expertise in operations, market strategies, and data interpretation to drive impactful projects for top-tier biotech...

San Francisco, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$350K - $398K *

Drive impactful clinical trials in ophthalmology with leadership in study design, execution, and biomarker strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure timely delivery and regulatory compliance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$194K - $266K *

Lead the charge in driving commercial growth by securing high-value partnerships and expanding market presence. Mentor a dynamic team while executing strategic initiatives that enhance client relation...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining sales excellence by driving revenue growth and market expansion for innovative SynBio products. Lead a dynamic team, develop strategies, and enhance customer experiences...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$201K *

Optimize your leadership skills in a dynamic role, guiding a skilled team of product managers and designers. Drive impactful product strategies that shape the future of justice and promote sustainable...

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Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in ensuring quality assurance for transport and packaging validation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to uphold compliance and readiness for commercial launch while managing...

New York, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$132K - $199K *

Join a team that's committed to transparency in clinical trials, ensuring compliance with global disclosure regulations. This role blends operational and strategic tasks, fostering collaboration and q...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $159K *

Transform regulatory strategies by providing CMC expertise to support product development and compliance in a dynamic pharmaceutical environment, ensuring quality and adherence to global standards thr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $220K *

Lead the execution of complex public works and infrastructure projects, ensuring strategic alignment and stakeholder engagement throughout all phases from planning to completion. Drive recovery initia...

Los Angeles, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$105K - $140K *

Transform your career by leading government sales efforts in a high-growth environment. Leverage your expertise to build relationships, create pipelines, and drive revenue for a cutting-edge product i...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$122K *

Champion clinical excellence by leading large teams, ensuring strategic alignment, and driving patient recruitment while mitigating risks in clinical operations for successful study execution...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$161K - $299K *

Optimize critical materials supply chains by collaborating across teams to identify risks, develop new sources, and enhance resilience. Drive initiatives to improve supplier capabilities and mitigate...

Grand Prairie, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to improving healthcare delivery in detention facilities. As a key leader, you will oversee operations, ensure compliance, and drive quality improvements across multiple l...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$172K - $202K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative insights and strategies for clients. As a Senior Director, you'll leverage your expertise to drive impactful research, engage with executives, and mentor team...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$180K - $190K *

Lead and implement sophisticated statistical models and machine learning solutions to enhance large-scale data analysis. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive impactful analytics and mentor...

Edison, NJRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.