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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$125K - $150K *

Pioneer strategic initiatives and operational excellence in this high-impact role. Collaborate closely with C-suite leaders to ensure decisions translate into action, driving effective organizational...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Champion strategic alignment and operational execution as a trusted advisor, driving cross-functional collaboration and optimizing internal processes to ensure organizational effectiveness at the high...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $155K *

Optimize antibody discovery and engineering through innovative phage and yeast display technologies, driving high-quality lead development and cross-functional collaboration in a dynamic research envi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Unlock insights from complex patient omics data using advanced analytical techniques. Lead impactful projects within a dynamic team, fostering collaboration and innovation to drive patient-centered so...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$147K - $210K *

Lead the charge in advancing scientific discovery through innovative AI systems, managing research agendas, and collaborating with experts to tackle high-impact challenges in computational biology and...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$91K - $107K *

Engage with us to execute and optimize flow cytometry assays, supporting preclinical and translational science in xenotransplantation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable resul...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's transforming strategic priorities into actionable plans. As Chief of Staff, you'll partner with leadership to enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and drive cross-functio...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$95K - $115K *

The Process Improvement Engineer at Nanobiosym will coordinate a production and engineering team to enhance manufacturing processes, particularly in injection molding. This hands-on role involves deve...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Join a cutting-edge team to develop innovative ML methods and molecular simulations that drive drug discovery, collaborating closely with scientists to transition discoveries from idea to application...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$87K - $107K *

Drive product systems development across FDA Class II projects, from innovation to commercialization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior members, and ensure quality plans align wit...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$270K - $350K *

Champion transformative genome technologies by leading strategic initiatives, fostering collaborations, and driving operational excellence in high-throughput sequencing and innovative research at a pr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$262K - $364K *

Champion innovative AI research by leading interdisciplinary teams, advancing generative model capabilities, and shaping post-training initiatives. Drive impactful publications and strategic collabora...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $193K *

Pioneer the development of agentic systems for operational decision-making. Leverage advanced LLMs and multi-agent orchestration for innovative solutions, while mentoring teams and contributing to cut...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$139K - $149K *

Drive innovative biomarker strategies by leading image-based analyses and executing preclinical models, collaborating with external partners to advance therapeutic discoveries across multiple disease...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$107K - $130K *

Lead cross-functional teams to enhance weapons performance analysis and database management, ensuring effective integration of technology into WMD/HDBT programs while supporting decision-making throug...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$174K - $252K *

Unlock potential by pioneering quantum computing workflows, integrating theoretical insights with practical applications. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and enhance quantum systems, shap...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in advancing innovative research and data-driven solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance products and operations, while leveraging your extensive expertise in m...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive impactful research as an applied scientist, leveraging data expertise to develop innovative products and solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational efficiency and tackle complex...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate the possibilities in higher education and science design. Collaborate with a dynamic team to shape innovative spaces that inspire learning and discovery while strengthening client relationship...

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in pharmaceutical product development, driving formulation and process innovation from early stages to clinical manufacturing. Collaborate across teams to ensure successful project exe...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Support and enhance executive operations by managing priorities, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring seamless communication across teams. This role demands exceptional organizational skills an...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Shape transformative research in formal methods and tackle challenges in AI, software analysis, and cryptography. Lead funded projects, engage clients, mentor teams, and publish findings while driving...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $165K *

Advance biologics CMC by developing predictive models and AI-driven tools that enhance process development, ensuring efficient transitions from bench to patient while fostering digital transformation...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in overseeing complex scientific and engineering projects, ensuring successful design, implementation, and evaluation to enhance the reliability and resilience of the nation's electric...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$95K - $115K *

Reimagine environmental management as a Physical Scientist, leading strategic initiatives and providing expert guidance on complex projects to enhance DOE's mission and operational efficiency...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

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.