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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$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advancing AI safety research by defining impactful agendas, mentoring teams, and driving real-world change through innovative projects and collaborations with governments and AI lab...

Berkeley, CARemote

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Champion product growth by driving development and lifecycle management for NGS DNA products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate market needs into strategic solutions, ensuring succe...

Boulder, CORemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Advance your career by leading the design and implementation of agent evaluations, enhancing the performance of AI systems through innovative techniques and team collaboration in a dynamic software en...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$220K - $290K *

Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$144K - $184K *

Join an innovative engineering team to transform product delivery through AI-driven development, ensuring high standards and compliance while combining product, design, and engineering leadership acro...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Transform global in vitro scientific operations by leading expansive teams and driving innovation across oncology and immunology studies. Ensure operational excellence, harmonize multi-site workflows...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $240K *

Champion the design and engineering of a cutting-edge perfusion system, leading a team to innovate and scale operations while ensuring quality and reliability in medical device manufacturing...

New Haven, CTRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$201K - $251K *

Transform workforce intelligence by leading People Analytics, establishing data governance, and driving strategic decision-making in a high-growth environment. Collaborate across functions to enhance...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $225K *

Lead the charge in delivering exceptional services to State and Local Government accounts. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance customer satisfaction, and support business development efforts while ma...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Innovate cutting-edge AI and Computer Vision solutions in a dynamic team. Collaborate with experts to optimize algorithms and deliver impactful geospatial insights. All experience levels welcome to ap...

Redmond, WARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on advancing Geospatial AI. Collaborate with experts to develop cutting-edge solutions in AI and Computer Vision, transforming vast data into acti...

Reston, VARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $180K *

Transform biological imaging with your expertise in AI and microscopy. Collaborate with engineers and scientists to define expert reasoning, curate datasets, and build analysis pipelines that set the...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive project delivery excellence by architecting frameworks, managing resources, and synchronizing teams. Lead cross-functional initiatives, optimize processes, and mentor project managers to ensure...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$130K - $180K *

Play a key role in shaping our talent acquisition strategy as you manage all stages of hiring, from sourcing top candidates to enhancing our recruiting processes for efficiency and effectiveness...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$96K - $144K *

Lead the charge in delivering exceptional customer service and technical support at assigned medical equipment sites, ensuring compliance with contracts and fostering strong client relationships throu...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $195K *

Elevate research standards in home performance by leading SCORE's development and improvement. Collaborate with experts to integrate innovative methodologies and ensure alignment with industry best pr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$233K - $303K *

Transform stakeholder advocacy by leading initiatives, fostering collaboration, and aligning strategies with evolving market dynamics to enhance patient access to essential treatments in the biopharma...

Hampton, NJRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Empower Data and AI Leaders by providing expert technical counsel, optimizing decision-making, and enhancing client success through tailored strategies and proactive thought leadership in a dynamic, c...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$220K - $275K *

Champion operational excellence and lead complex technical projects in the pharmaceutical sector. Drive strategic initiatives, manage cross-functional teams, and ensure quality outcomes while mentorin...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Advance cross-functional project management efforts by leading strategic initiatives that drive business objectives and enhance care programs while ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder alignment...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$81K - $106K *

Transform cultural resources management by leading projects, enhancing team efficiency, and ensuring compliance standards are met while fostering relationships with clients and agencies in the Pacific...

Washington, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$230K - $286K *

Accelerate progress at a dynamic tech company as a strategic Chief of Staff. Collaborate closely with the CEO and leadership team to enhance decision-making, drive operational efficiency, and leverage...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive the strategy and execution of an AI framework for state government, ensuring responsible AI use and fostering innovation. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement effective AI initiatives that...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$137K - $189K *

Lead the charge in developing scientific strategies to support regulatory submissions and product validations in the Americas. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and represen...

Colorado, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's dedicated to establishing a robust Quality Management System, ensuring compliance and excellence in global clinical development and commercialization. Lead quality initiatives and f...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.