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.
$180K - $220K *
Provide innovative legal strategies to navigate regulatory challenges, directly influencing corporate growth. Lead comprehensive legal functions such as contracts, compliance, and governance in a dyna...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Clinical Scientist - FSP
$110K - $130K *
Champion the clinical execution of complex studies, leading scientific oversight and medical monitoring while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and deliver impactful resul...
3 days ago
Principal Scientist, Analytical Development
$170K - $190K *
Lead the charge in advancing analytical development strategies for small molecule drug substances and products, ensuring compliance and quality across the product lifecycle while collaborating with cr...
1 week ago
$130K - $160K *
Develop innovative measurement solutions by leveraging data science expertise to solve complex marketing challenges. Collaborate closely with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver insights...
3 weeks ago
$225K - $265K *
Shape the future of oncology by leading clinical studies in early-phase development. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive innovative therapies and ensure high-quality execution of clinica...
2 days ago
Vice Preseident Technical Architecture & AI Transformation
$200K *
Drive your career by leading technical architecture and AI tooling development in a dynamic company transitioning to multi-platform solutions. Collaborate with teams, mentor talent, and engage with en...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Support clinical studies by assisting teams with tasks like medical monitoring and protocol management. Collaborate across functions and engage with stakeholders to ensure successful trial outcomes wh...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of IT capacity management by ensuring resources meet business demand in a regulated environment. Collaborate with teams to optimize performance, manage risks, and align strategies for...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Director, AI Advisory - Enterprise Transformation
$136K - $190K *
Partner with us to drive enterprise transformation through strategic leadership and Adobe Experience Cloud expertise, facilitating client success by bridging strategic vision with tactical execution f...
1 month ago
Senior Director, Clinical Operations
$270K - $280K *
Join a team that's driving clinical excellence by overseeing trial execution, managing timelines, budgets, and CROs. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance and quality while mentoring team...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Manage the technical implementation of telehealth solutions for clients, ensuring integrated workflows and reliable functionality. Collaborate with project teams for a comprehensive solution that enha...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in AI/ML initiatives that enhance student engagement and retention. Drive cross-functional collaboration to deliver predictive models and measurable outcomes, transforming data into ac...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Sustainability Engineer - Radiopharmaceutical Manufacturing
$110K - $130K *
Innovate your career with a key role supporting the global launch and technical operations of radiopharmaceuticals, driving compliance, quality initiatives, and collaboration with CDMOs while leading...
Reposted 5 days ago
Chief Financial Officer, The AI Access Initiative
$240K - $270K *
Architect the financial backbone of a rapidly scaling AI-focused organization. Collaborate with leadership to design systems, drive compliance, and enable international expansion while leveraging AI f...
2 weeks ago
$201K - $251K *
Lead strategic forecasting initiatives to drive decision-making in oncology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop long-term models and communicate insights that shape product and portfol...
1 week ago
$139K - $222K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of housing market forecasting. Collaborate with experts to develop innovative models, extract key features, and communicate insights that drive strategic decision...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $150K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical research by managing complex studies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones efficien...
1 week ago
Manager Px Strategic Research and Financial Validation
$120K - $145K *
Strategize impactful initiatives by collaborating with cross-functional teams to assess financial viability and market opportunities in oncology and rare diseases, driving key business decisions and g...
3 weeks ago
Head of Pharmacogenomics (PGx)
$206K - $265K *
Shape the future of pharmacogenomics by leading business strategy, product development, and partnership initiatives, enhancing healthcare through informed medication decisions and innovative PGx solut...
4 weeks ago
Director, Analyst - AI Technology Economics
$148K - $175K *
Innovate insights into AI's economic impact by synthesizing diverse data sources, collaborating with experts, and shaping industry narratives to drive strategic executive decisions and elevate market...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Elevate the sales strategy and lead growth by transforming a proven product into a scalable revenue engine. Drive enterprise opportunities while developing a high-performing sales team to enhance mark...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs
$160K - $200K *
Champion regulatory strategy and submissions for clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical programs. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance and quality in regulatory communications, while leadin...
2 weeks ago
Applied Research Scientist, World Model
$185K - $312K *
Engineer the future of home shopping by developing a foundational AI model that integrates market dynamics, consumer behavior, and economic factors to enhance user experience and decision-making in re...
2 days ago
$100K - $185K *
Unlock business growth by leading technical scoping, managing client relations, and guiding consultants. This hybrid role integrates project management with hands-on consulting to ensure accurate prop...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$135K - $180K *
Unlock potential by managing key relationships with insurance partners, overseeing operations, and ensuring compliance in a dynamic, team-focused environment. Thrive in a collaborative setting that dr...
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.