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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$85K - $105K *

Drive advanced computational solutions for multi-institutional research projects, integrating AI and HPC technologies. Collaborate with faculty and manage a team to enhance research computing services...

1 week ago

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

$85K - $105K *

Innovate and shape the future of research computing by developing scalable software solutions that enhance scientific workflows. Collaborate with faculty and students to leverage advanced technologies...

1 week ago

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

$171K - $222K *

Empower our team by conducting data analysis and building ML models for supply optimization. Collaborate across functions to drive impactful projects that enhance traffic monetization while ensuring a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by designing and optimizing upstream cell culture processes, supporting technology transfers, and collaborating with clients to enhance project outcomes in a dynamic manufacturing env...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's advancing microbiological solutions by designing and executing innovative research projects. Collaborate across functions to meet customer needs while ensuring high-quality results...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Launch innovative products by owning the product loop, driving engineering cadence, and enhancing customer health. Collaborate closely with teams to prototype solutions and ensure user satisfaction th...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $160K *

Explore transformative possibilities in computational biology by partnering with pharma allies to enhance drug discovery, utilizing AI tools to analyze complex datasets and drive impactful solutions i...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $175K *

Transform the future of drug discovery by integrating AI and data science, collaborating with pharma partners to extract insights from molecular datasets and enhance research tools. Lead innovative pr...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $160K *

Advance the future of drug discovery by integrating molecular and clinical datasets, utilizing AI-driven insights, and collaborating across functions to enhance research efficiency and impact in the p...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $133K *

Lead the charge in geologic and geophysical analysis to assess energy resources, utilizing advanced GIS and data interpretation skills. Collaborate with teams to produce detailed reports and maps, con...

1 week ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Transform laboratory operations by leading automated workflows and experimental methods. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to ensure scientific validity and reliability, while troubleshooting...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$111K - $161K *

Shape your career with a pivotal role in developing innovative library prep methods for a cutting-edge protein sequencing platform, driving accuracy and efficiency in sequencing outcomes through creat...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$119K - $163K *

Drive innovation as a Principal Scientist, leading complex projects that shape health and wellness solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver impactful product developments and leverage data...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$130K - $155K *

Unlock the potential of data in synthetic biology by developing advanced data-analysis pipelines, collaborating with experts to derive insights from complex biological data and drive innovation in com...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $175K *

Lead a multidisciplinary team in protein engineering and structural biology, driving innovation in drug creation through collaboration with AI and cross-functional partners to advance therapeutic prog...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in advancing drug-creation programs through innovative protein engineering and structural biology. Mentor a specialized team, collaborate with AI experts, and drive scientific excellen...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$124K - $150K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative formulation projects, applying your expertise in CMP and pCMP mechanisms to drive product development and customer success while mentoring teams and ensuring...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Join us in leading the development and execution of comprehensive risk management strategies. Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and mitigate enterprise risks, ensuring organizational r...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in developing and implementing risk management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate enterprise risks, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance requirements w...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $100K *

Manage strategic communications by developing impactful content across multiple channels, serving diverse audiences from donors to the public. Drive editorial leadership, digital engagement, and brand...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead groundbreaking research in AI safety and evaluation, bridging academic rigor with real-world challenges. Drive innovative methodologies and collaborate with top-tier institutions to enhance respo...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $190K *

Lead transformative research initiatives in AI safety, bridging academic rigor with real-world challenges. Collaborate with top-tier institutions to develop evaluation frameworks and benchmarks, drivi...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $170K *

Shape the future of translational biology by leading preclinical studies to enhance our innovative therapies aimed at retinal health. Collaborate with diverse teams to deepen understanding and explore...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$108K - $170K *

Transform elemental measurements into reliable, machine-readable data while collaborating with AI and software teams to enhance materials characterization and accelerate discovery in this hybrid role...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Transform the operational landscape of a dynamic AI organization by driving strategic planning, budget management, and cross-functional collaboration. Ensure seamless execution of high-impact projects...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.