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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$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

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

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

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 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.