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 - $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
Scientist, Analytical Development
$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
Scientist, Analytical Development
$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
Scientist, Analytical Development
$109K - $174K *
Advance innovative bioassays for mRNA vaccines, collaborating with Research to translate biology into robust analytical methods, ensuring assay performance and reproducibility for future applications...
2 weeks ago
Scientist, Analytical Development
$109K - $174K *
Elevate analytical innovation by developing biophysical methodologies for lipid nanoparticle characterization. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product understanding and drive technology adva...
3 weeks ago
Scientist, Analytical Development
$109K - $174K *
Lead the charge in transferring analytical methods into testing operations. Collaborate across teams, design transfer strategies, and ensure methods are robust and compliant. Your expertise will enhan...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead multidisciplinary research initiatives to enhance clinical outcomes and support advanced analytics; develop methodologies and publications to translate findings into actionable recommendations fo...
1 month ago
Clinical Research Program Manager
$110K - $130K *
Drive clinical research operations for a multidisciplinary program focused on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, ensuring rigorous execution of studies while collaborating with diverse teams to tra...
1 week ago
Director Program Management, National Security
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of program management by leading a dynamic team to ensure successful contract execution, client satisfaction, and strategic growth across multiple programs with a focus on operational...
3 days ago
Senior Scientist - Method Lead, Cell and Gene Therapy
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing cell and gene therapy through hands-on laboratory testing and mentorship. As a Senior Scientist, you'll drive technical excellence and innovation while foster...
2 weeks ago
Data Scientist, Core Experimentation
$293K - $325K *
Transform experimentation methodologies and drive technical strategy to enhance reliability and usability across teams. Collaborate on statistical rigor, and build scalable solutions to complex challe...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Translational Biology
$202K - $236K *
Unlock potential by leading biomarker discovery at the intersection of genetics, multi-omics, and AI/ML. Collaborate with biologists and clinicians to translate insights into precision medicine for ca...
Reposted 6 days ago
$160K - $190K *
Transform biomedical discovery by leveraging AI to bridge virtual and real-world data. Collaborate with top scientists and engineers to innovate scalable solutions in drug discovery and clinical care...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Transform your career by leading innovative computational research in cancer and chronic diseases. Drive projects from inception to publication while mentoring junior researchers and collaborating wit...
3 days ago
$160K - $190K *
Lead innovation in generative video modeling, guiding technical strategy and decision-making while enhancing team output and translating research into actionable, deployable systems for advanced robot...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Applied AI Scientist
$150K - $220K *
Transform diverse big data into actionable insights by designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge AI-driven applications. Collaborate with teams to optimize models and create robust ML pipeline...
3 weeks ago
Project Scientist (GeoSystems Analysis)
$75K - $95K *
Elevate environmental consulting through scientific expertise and analysis. Collaborate with diverse teams on mine closure and hydrologic investigations, applying data to create sustainable solutions...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's advancing radiopharmaceuticals by leading formulation and manufacturing efforts. Collaborate with experts to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance while driving innovativ...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to drive strategy and operations, translating the CEO's vision into actionable plans. You'll manage cross-functional projects and establish a fast-paced operating rhythm, ensuring...
3 days ago
Senior Lead, External Research, Analysis, and Disclosures
$188K - $274K *
Transform energy research and disclosures by leading strategic initiatives, managing cross-functional projects, and translating complex data for diverse audiences. Drive impactful insights to support...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to lead the development and execution of clinical study designs, ensuring effective project management and collaboration across teams. Your expertise will drive the success of clinical trials...
1 week ago
Manager, Laboratory Operations
$130K - $150K *
Elevate laboratory operations by managing logistics, compliance, and safety in a dynamic research environment. Collaborate with scientists to streamline processes and ensure a well-functioning lab tha...
Today
Staff Research Scientist, STEM
$250K - $400K *
Lead cutting-edge research initiatives in frontier AI evaluation and synthetic data, identifying gaps and designing benchmarks. Collaborate on experimentation, methodology, and publication while advan...
4 weeks ago
Staff Research Scientist, STEM
$250K - $400K *
Unlock your potential by driving groundbreaking research in frontier AI systems. Collaborate with a team to create benchmarks, synthetic data solutions, and methodologies that push the boundaries of s...
4 weeks ago
Staff Research Scientist, STEM
$250K - $400K *
Unlock potential by innovating frontier AI evaluation methods and benchmarks. Lead rigorous research initiatives to address critical gaps in STEM and build high-quality synthetic datasets to enhance m...
4 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.