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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$162K - $214K *

Elevate analytics standards by leading rigorous data practices, ensuring quality, and guiding diverse teams to provide actionable insights. Collaborate with executives and present findings to influenc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Drive the Enablement function for AI deployments, leading strategy and team development. Collaborate with internal teams, customers, and partners to create scalable learning solutions, ensuring succes...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$238K - $280K *

Lead the charge in developing autonomous attack workflows for external surfaces, leveraging your expertise to enhance reconnaissance capabilities and mentor engineers while driving strategic technical...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of loyalty programs by building robust AI agents on Amazon AgentCore, focusing on automation and reliability to enhance operational efficiency for teams and clients. Join a dynamic en...

Detroit, MIRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$124K - $229K *

Join us to protect our players and platforms from advanced cyber threats. As a key member of our security team, you'll actively identify, investigate, and respond to security incidents, ensuring robus...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$70K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to supporting disaster recovery efforts through federal funding programs. Collaborate with local governments and nonprofits to ensure compliance and effective project form...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Accelerate sales growth by leading strategies and initiatives across the ANZ market. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to drive customer engagement, develop market strategies, and achieve reve...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$159K - $211K *

Join us in transforming quality operations by leading a robust PACE quality program, ensuring compliance and care excellence while collaborating cross-functionally to enhance participant outcomes and...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $135K *

Champion the growth of partnerships in the public safety sector, harnessing your sales expertise to cultivate high-level relationships, create member benefits, and drive innovative solutions that enha...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $241K *

Develop and optimize AI solutions for enhanced member experiences, integrating cutting-edge technologies and engineering practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, scalable...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$300K *

Elevate healthcare delivery by leading a dedicated team in clinical evaluations, ensuring best practices while providing client-facing support and expertise in medical claims, regulations, and emergin...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $215K *

Lead the charge in developing a cutting-edge compliance program for consumer financial products. You'll oversee a team, drive strategy, and ensure adherence to regulations in a fast-paced, innovative...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining cloud-based contact center solutions. As a Project Manager, you'll lead diverse projects, engage with stakeholders, and drive innovative implementations using AWS technol...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$94K - $266K *

Join us to lead innovative cloud-based contact center projects, driving success for Mid-Market & Enterprise clients. Utilize your project management expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions and fos...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $120K *

Grow your career with a dynamic sales role, driving supply chain transparency for leading brands. Own the full sales cycle, engage senior stakeholders, and develop solutions that enhance customer valu...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of client engagement and service delivery, driving Professional Services success in the U.S. Public Sector. Collaborate with teams to boost revenue generation, enhance client relation...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Elevate global IT service delivery by leading a dynamic team, enhancing operational continuity, and driving proactive solutions across multiple markets while collaborating with cross-functional partne...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$171K - $245K *

Empower program delivery by leveraging AI-driven tools and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage complex projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment wh...

San Jose, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$203K - $254K *

Drive the creation of a comprehensive Data & AI Governance program that establishes standards for data ownership, usage, and monitoring across the enterprise, while fostering responsible AI practices...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $250K *

Lead the charge in our cybersecurity operations, overseeing teams and strategies to enhance effective security monitoring and incident response while ensuring top-notch service delivery across diverse...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Empower your career by leading and scaling a multidisciplinary engineering team in full-stack and data engineering. Drive impact through collaboration and technical excellence, ensuring quality and in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$162K - $243K *

Lead a dynamic team in managing complex clinical research trials, ensuring project execution aligns with strategic objectives. Drive process improvements and maintain client relationships while overse...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$162K - $243K *

Lead a dynamic team in managing complex clinical research trials, ensuring strategic execution and client satisfaction. Drive project success through effective communication, budget oversight, and qua...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $95K *

Help us shape the future of digital advertising by leading a team in delivering programmatic campaign excellence and leveraging data-driven insights to meet client objectives across various channels...

New York, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive expertise in remote sensing and nuclear detection to analyze, evaluate, and communicate critical intelligence on nuclear proliferation. Collaborate with teams across sectors to enhance detection...

Washington, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.