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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$150K - $180K *

Engage in pioneering research that challenges the limits of voice AI. Lead innovative projects from conception to production impact, collaborating with top-tier experts to drive transformative advance...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$103K - $154K *

Innovate in product development by researching and commercializing new VMS technologies. Collaborate with teams to enhance and troubleshoot existing products while meeting quality standards and timeli...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$125K - $150K *

Transform scientific research by developing data strategies and partnerships. Collaborate with researchers to assess data needs, navigate sensitive collaborations, and lead commercial execution, ensur...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in executing a multidisciplinary research program to enhance operational decision-making and performance for the Air Force, integrating resources and stakeholders to achieve impactful...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a leading research team to explore AI agent behavior in complex enterprise settings. Drive initiatives on knowledge accumulation, learning, safety, and privacy while advancing the state of the ar...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$119K - $149K *

Advance scientific projects in brain health by managing cross-functional teams, ensuring timely deliverables, and fostering collaboration. Utilize project management best practices to support funding...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Transform peptide chemistry by designing, synthesizing, and characterizing novel peptides to drive drug discovery initiatives in a collaborative R&D environment, enhancing pharmacological properties a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Unlock new scientific breakthroughs by leading cryo-EM research and mentoring lab members. Collaborate on innovative projects exploring the ubiquitin proteasome system to advance therapeutic strategie...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$227K - $298K *

Elevate scientific collaboration by shaping partnership strategies and building relationships across academia, industry, and patient communities. Lead the development of innovative programs that conne...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $200K *

Lead the charge in building researcher relationships and driving technical excellence for AI Solutions. Collaborate with GMs to design impactful programs, ensuring quality and success in high-stakes p...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining AI Solutions by building researcher relationships, driving technical discovery, and designing impactful programs. Collaborate closely with leadership to shape offerings a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Unlock your potential by leading technology transfer and process optimization efforts. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance aseptic manufacturing and ensure adherence to regulatory standards, whi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$210K - $230K *

Lead the charge in shaping global regulatory strategies for advanced technologies, fostering engagement with key stakeholders, and driving the responsible commercialization of Genome Editing in aquacu...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$207K - $300K *

Transform the future of machine learning by inventing and implementing cutting-edge algorithms and systems. Collaborate across teams to validate AI-generated advancements and drive innovation in next...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $180K *

Lead the successful delivery of complex programs, managing performance, risks, and customer relationships while ensuring compliance with quality standards and financial performance. Drive program exec...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $119K *

Collaborate to drive single-cell proteomics research on Alzheimer's and neurodegeneration. Design and execute experiments, analyze datasets, mentor junior scientists, and prepare manuscripts within an...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$207K - $300K *

Drive innovation in machine learning by inventing and implementing advanced algorithms and systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance AI capabilities, ensuring robust evaluation and deployment of ne...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$128K - $160K *

Lead the proteome editor flywheel team to innovate synthetic biology solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize design-test cycles, enhance model performance, and mentor a high-per...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Advance education initiatives by managing research programs and stakeholder relationships, ensuring strategic delivery of multiple projects to enhance policy outreach and improve education outcomes fo...

4 weeks ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Innovate with us as you drive research initiatives, develop ML models, and translate complex algorithms into practical solutions, collaborating across teams to enhance fraud detection and authenticati...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$195K - $264K *

Take ownership of enterprise AI governance by developing frameworks and risk management processes. Collaborate with IT, HR, and legal teams to ensure responsible AI adoption while fostering innovation...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $312K *

Zillow is seeking a Principal Applied Scientist to join the Agentic AI team, focusing on developing advanced multimodal technologies for understanding homes. The role involves designing and prototypin...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $145K *

Lead the development of a virtual immune system by integrating multiomic data and AI models. Collaborate across biology, AI, and product development to drive innovative solutions and insights that enh...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$109K - $174K *

Develop and optimize sequencing-based analytical methods for mRNA vaccines and therapeutics, leveraging advanced sequencing technologies to ensure product quality and integrity across various stages o...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$109K - $174K *

Transform your career by developing cutting-edge analytical methods for mRNA-based therapeutics. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product quality and drive innovation in analytical developmen...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.