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.
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Today
Software Engineering Director, Agentic Evaluations
$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...
4 weeks ago
Director, Features System Engineering
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
Reposted today
VP, In Vitro - Scientific Operations
$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...
Reposted yesterday
$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...
6 days ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Executive Director, Service Delivery - Public Sector
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
2 days ago
$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...
2 days ago
$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...
3 days ago
Project Management Lead, Science
$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...
3 days ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Executive Director, Stakeholder Advocacy
$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...
3 weeks ago
Technical Counselor, Data and Ai
$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...
3 weeks ago
Manufacturing & Tech Ops, VP Practice Area Leader - Project Farma
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator in Pacific NW U.S.
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
2 days ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
FSD Scientific Affairs Manager
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
2 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.