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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$110K - $130K *

Explore the dynamic role of a Program Manager, overseeing end-to-end data collection programs. Drive operational excellence, client satisfaction, and strategic execution in a fast-paced environment, e...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $180K *

Empower customer engagement by leading the design and deployment of innovative contact center solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to create scalable, AI-driven workflows that enhance operational...

North Carolina, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $150K *

Oversee the direct-to-consumer business, driving revenue, customer experience, and strategy. Lead the team and execute growth initiatives while managing the entirety of operations, technology, and ana...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$150K - $250K *

Shape the future of autonomous vehicles by tackling complex AI challenges. Collaborate with engineers to enhance deep learning models and apply your expertise in unsupervised learning to scale innovat...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $250K *

Join a talented team to tackle complex AI challenges by enhancing our proprietary algorithmic toolkit and collaborating on deep learning experiments that push the boundaries of research and developmen...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion a transformative product vision, leading cross-functional teams to drive strategic outcomes in a dynamic digital health environment. Shape the future of patient care and client experience whi...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$141K - $188K *

Oversee the local radiation safety program, ensuring compliance with regulations. Mentor staff, manage resources, and represent the organization in communication with regulators. Drive continuous impr...

Philadelphia, PARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$148K - $223K *

Unlock advanced analytical capabilities by leading data science initiatives that drive strategic decision-making and deliver impactful insights across the organization. Collaborate with stakeholders t...

Southfield, MIRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$500K+*

Pioneer the evolution of Netflix's Compute Platform, driving innovation in distributed systems and AI integration. Lead product strategy, enhance efficiency, and collaborate across teams to ensure rob...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading AI transformation strategies that align technology solutions with business outcomes. Collaborate with C-suite and board members to develop and execute actionable roadmaps e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform the future of quantum technology by leading product definition and architecture for a groundbreaking initiative. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape solutions and drive market e...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Elevate our quantum technology initiative by leading product definition and architecture. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape solutions and engage with customers, driving innovation in a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in managing projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver results on time while effectively co...

Arkansas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead the development of a comprehensive data strategy, focusing on modern architecture and tools. Drive real-time insights and decision-making while managing a high-performing team to enhance the orga...

Glendale, CARemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$313K - $365K *

Unlock potential by shaping the future of consumer insights through advanced data science. Lead measurement and modeling strategies to enhance user engagement and community dynamics, driving impactful...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $145K *

Empower our defense solutions by acting as a trusted technical advisor, engaging with customers to understand their needs, and delivering compelling product demonstrations that showcase our technology...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$166K - $279K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical success in prioritized opportunities, leveraging deep expertise in a specific product group to influence customer decisions and enhance Solut...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Transform strategic initiatives by coordinating and executing projects that enhance organizational effectiveness, support leadership communication, and drive process excellence across departments, ens...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$143K - $205K *

Drive your career forward by leading a high-performing team of threat hunters and MDR specialists. You'll enhance customer relationships and operational excellence while translating complex security i...

Bellevue, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Unlock your potential by leading executive searches for city managers. Collaborate with municipal leaders to identify top talent, manage the recruitment process, and ensure alignment with community pr...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate your career by leading the development of groundbreaking chemical refining processes while optimizing controls for automated plant operations and enhancing team capabilities in a dynamic, gro...

Moab, UTRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Innovate with us as you leverage AI and Machine Learning to extract insights from complex datasets, driving data-driven decisions and enhancing customer engagement through advanced modeling techniques...

Alpharetta, GARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $190K *

Empower our team to drive innovation by developing crucial AI tools that enhance operational efficiency. Oversee governance, training, and metrics to ensure impactful adoption across departments while...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Transform cloud operations by leading a team to ensure performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency across multi-cloud environments, while driving incident management and fostering collaboration with...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $100K *

Lead the charge in delivering enterprise software implementation projects, managing scope, budget, and relationships, while driving innovation using AI technologies to enhance efficiency and client sa...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.