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 *

Drive Federal enablement by enhancing operational rhythms, ensuring accountability, and supporting strategic growth. Collaborate across teams to streamline processes, improve onboarding, and inspect d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $180K *

Join a team that's leading security and IT for a healthcare tech company. Shape strategy and mentor a devoted team while building AI-driven tools and solutions to enhance operations, all while maintai...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$114K - $190K *

Oversee project management for innovative small modular reactor deployments, ensuring timely delivery, customer satisfaction, and effective risk mitigation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams an...

Wilmington, NCRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$98K - $206K *

Join a team that architects Oracle Fusion PPM solutions to enable precise project management and financial accountability for Marine Corps initiatives. Leverage your expertise to lead configurations a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $200K *

Support critical technical pre-sales activities by guiding customers through evaluations and overseeing successful handoffs post-installation. Partner with sales and product teams to ensure technical...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $130K *

Lead complex archaeological projects, ensuring technical quality and client satisfaction. Mentor staff, develop methodologies, and manage budgets while fostering strong client relationships and suppor...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Transform global safety standards by leading the Environment, Health & Safety program. Drive strategic initiatives, foster a culture of compliance, and enhance organizational capability across diverse...

Waltham, MARemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Engage with pharmaceutical partners to drive revenue through AI-driven solutions. Build strategic relationships and develop account plans while collaborating across teams. Utilize your sales expertise...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $124K *

Partner with us to enhance legal operations and implement eDiscovery processes. You'll lead customer data privacy initiatives, improving cross-functional collaboration and response strategies for comp...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$154K - $208K *

Lead statistical operations for Centralized Statistical Monitoring, ensuring study quality and compliance through innovative methodologies and analytical processes across clinical trial portfolios...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $175K *

Advance application security initiatives by leading manual code reviews, penetration tests, and threat modeling. Work closely with clients to strengthen their secure development processes, delivering...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$181K - $301K *

Transform your career by leading a global cyber defense team, driving proactive strategies to mitigate risks and enhance security across diverse environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams t...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $225K *

Grow your career with a pivotal leadership role overseeing IT service delivery, project management, and customer engagement. Drive collaboration across teams to enhance infrastructure operations and e...

Rockville, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $242K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity by developing innovative architectures and strategies that integrate AI and emerging technologies, enhancing security capabilities across multiple domains while colla...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $185K *

Transform business opportunities by leading full-lifecycle engagements within the Air Force. Build relationships, shape solutions, and ensure contract execution while managing a growing portfolio and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $100K *

Empower compliance excellence by leading audits, risk assessments, and investigations. Collaborate with teams to ensure adherence to healthcare regulations and promote ethical practices while adapting...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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

Yesterday

  •   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

1 month 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

3 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

2 days ago

  •   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

3 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

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.