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.
Chief External Affairs Officer
$162K - $188K *
Accelerate progress at a pivotal organization by leading revenue strategies, managing key relationships, and enhancing brand visibility. Drive fundraising efforts to meet ambitious goals while fosteri...
1 week ago
Chief External Affairs Officer
$162K - $188K *
Join a team that's driving transformative impact through innovative funding strategies and robust external communications. You will lead revenue strategies and brand positioning, ensuring sustainable...
Reposted 1 week ago
$160K - $200K *
Join us to lead strategic technical initiatives, drive solution architecture, and ensure successful delivery of complex engineering projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and exec...
2 weeks ago
Senior/Staff Applied Scientist
$180K - $330K *
Pioneer innovative A/B experimentation techniques to enhance decision-making across product domains. Collaborate with data science and engineering teams to develop scalable solutions that drive produc...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead a team of data professionals to enhance data-driven decision-making. Oversee advanced analytics, AI/ML implementation, and data management initiatives to support military operations and translate...
Today
$120K - $132K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Scientist, leading innovative mRNA process development. Drive impactful research, design genetic circuits, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance drug...
2 weeks ago
Senior Applied Scientist, GEOS Science Team
$167K - $226K *
Drive optimization models for site selection and network design, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable insights. Lead initiatives in AI tooling and mentor scientists, ensurin...
1 week ago
Scientist I - ML/AI Regulatory Genomics and Cell Type-Targeted Tools for Brain Health
$87K - $108K *
Elevate the understanding of regulatory genomics by analyzing multiomic data and enhancing synthetic tools for brain health. Collaborate across teams to refine models and validate sequences, driving i...
2 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, Antibody Characterization
$136K - $170K *
Unlock potential by driving the discovery of innovative biotherapeutics through hands-on laboratory work, characterizing antibodies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance therapeuti...
2 weeks ago
Lead Scientific EngineerProgrammer
$110K - $130K *
Advance modeling capabilities by developing numerical methods and integrating machine learning. Collaborate with engineers to modernize frameworks and enhance simulation processes through practical so...
Reposted 3 days ago
$160K - $175K *
Elevate your career by leveraging your expertise in data analysis to optimize logistics operations for the U.S. Marine Corps. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance equipment readiness thr...
3 days ago
$67K - $100K *
Unlock potential by driving regulatory compliance and product safety initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop Safety Data Sheets and labels, ensuring adherence to global standar...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate the development of large-scale AI models, bridging research and real-world applications. Collaborate with customers to tailor solutions, optimize training processes, and enhance AI systems...
Today
$145K - $175K *
Join our team to drive innovative data solutions, leveraging advanced analytics and interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex business challenges and enhance decision-making for diverse clients...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Polymer Physicist
$130K - $155K *
Elevate innovation in polymer research by leading scientific roadmaps, developing computational models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive breakthroughs in materials for advanced w...
3 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Polymer Physicist
$130K - $155K *
Shape the future of wearable technology by leading polymer research, driving innovation in materials science, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop groundbreaking solutions for adva...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's committed to operational excellence and innovation. You will lead the operations function to design scalable systems and drive cross-functional success, ensuring the company thrives...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Unlock potential by driving operational excellence across functions, leading the operations team, and building scalable processes for rapid growth. Ensure cohesion in a complex environment, empowering...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$162K - $189K *
Lead the charge in analytical development for drug substances and products, utilizing advanced techniques to support research through clinical stages. Collaborate across teams to solve challenges and...
Yesterday
Associate Director, Clean Energy
$115K - $145K *
Empower your career by leading clean energy initiatives, driving policy innovation, and building strategic partnerships. Collaborate across teams to enhance government capacity and implement impactful...
3 weeks ago
Chief Engineer, Prototype System Integration and Experimentation
$175K - $210K *
Innovate with us to lead the technical execution of a groundbreaking optical computing prototype. Oversee system performance, architecture, and integration, ensuring seamless collaboration across team...
2 weeks ago
Science Expert Lead, Gemini Data, DeepMind
$207K - $300K *
Innovate data strategies by leveraging scientific expertise to enhance AI capabilities, optimize workflows, and ensure high-quality data for advanced scientific applications, driving impactful solutio...
2 weeks ago
Scientist I, Protein Engineering
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovative protein design by developing high-throughput assays and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance binding specificity and support protein discovery workflows in a dynamic l...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Engage in end-to-end peptide synthesis, ensuring quality control while troubleshooting and improving processes. This hands-on role allows you to closely oversee synthesis, purification, and characteri...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Computational Chemistry
$165K - $190K *
Drive innovative drug design as an Experienced Computational Chemist, leveraging molecular modeling and data-driven insights to influence discovery programs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams a...
Reposted 6 days 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.