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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1
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$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by leading technical content strategy for product portfolios, ensuring scientific integrity and commercial relevance. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive customer adoption, suppor...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$400K - $445K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of digital health by driving growth, expanding market access, and architecting commercial strategies that integrate innovative technologies for long-term success...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing go-to-market strategies for innovative legal technology solutions, collaborating cross-functionally to craft impactful messaging that drives growth and enha...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining patient experiences by developing robust AI/ML systems. In this hands-on role, you’ll lead engineering efforts across shared infrastructure, ensuring impactful AI solutio...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$190K - $210K *

Unlock data-driven insights as a hybrid leader, balancing hands-on analytics with high-level client strategy. Drive impactful initiatives and foster cross-functional collaboration to deliver valuable...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $280K *

Drive system architecture definition and refine requirements in a collaborative, agile environment. Engage with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with customer needs and technical solutions...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Transform high-risk computerized systems validation by leading initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring GxP compliance throughout the system lifecycle. Utilize expertise to drive str...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Unlock your potential by leading biostimulant strategies across North America. Collaborate with teams to drive product adoption, enhance profitability, and develop innovative solutions in the agricult...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Lead the pre-sales team, driving revenue growth through technical expertise in SaaS solutions. Oversee customer engagements, solution architecture, and cross-functional collaboration while developing...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading sales strategies across the US. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive growth, develop client relationships, and deliver impactful presentations while navigating indus...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$174K - $234K *

Shape the future of advanced analytics and AI, driving data-driven solutions across commercial, medical, and clinical operations. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver insights, enhance decision-m...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$242K - $282K *

Lead the oversight of contractual matters across departments, serving as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders from pre-clinical to commercial readiness. This role emphasizes collaboration and ex...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$212K - $265K *

Drive transformative software engineering across EPM products, lead modernization, build innovative SaaS capabilities, and enhance operational excellence in a high-impact role overseeing global teams...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the design and implementation of robust security measures to protect sensitive health information, ensuring compliance with HIPAA and other regulations while collaborating with cross-functional t...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Engage in technical leadership and project management to develop industry standards and reports. Collaborate with working groups to drive best practices and support continuous improvement initiatives...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Join a team that's paving the way for innovative product and engineering solutions. As a Senior Corporate Counsel, you'll provide essential legal guidance on AI, payments, and privacy, ensuring compli...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Program Analyst, supporting program management and governance for a key initiative. Collaborate with stakeholders to analyze data, develop reports, and ensure documenta...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$132K - $165K *

Drive innovation in oncology diagnostics by leading statistical programming efforts, ensuring data integrity and compliance for clinical trials, while managing a team and collaborating cross-functiona...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the compliance and documentation efforts, ensuring robust privacy and security practices. Collaborate across teams to create and maintain essential documentation, audits, and operational workflow...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$245K - $260K *

Lead technical solutions for U.S. Army accounts, enhancing digital performance and visibility. Collaborate with executives to develop strategies, conduct presentations, and address complex challenges...

Abell, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion privacy solutions by engaging with clients, delivering tailored demos, and driving sales success. Leverage your expertise to influence product development and navigate the intersection of AI...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$149K - $240K *

Engage with enterprise customers to address complex security and risk challenges. Serve as a trusted advisor, leading solution design and product demonstrations while collaborating with cross-function...

San Francisco, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$149K - $240K *

Transform enterprise security solutions by partnering with Sales to address complex challenges. Leverage your expertise to design impactful solutions, deliver compelling demos, and engage with stakeho...

Washington, DCRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$149K - $240K *

Champion enterprise security solutions by partnering with Sales to address complex challenges. Lead technical discovery, solution design, and customer validation, ensuring alignment between technical...

Austin, TXRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$87K - $108K *

Empower customer success by providing expert technical support for bioprocessing products. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot issues, enhance product knowledge, and ensure a positive experience fo...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.