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.
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$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
Sr. Scientist, Antibody Engineering
$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
$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
Research Scientist, Science AI, Google Research
$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
Senior Research Associate, Preclinical and Translational Sciences
$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
$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
Engineer: Process Improvement Engineer
$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
ML & Molecular Simulation Scientist
$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 3 weeks ago
$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
Vice President, Genome Technologies
$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
Senior Staff Research Scientist, Gemini Research, DeepMind
$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
Applied Scientist - Agentic AI, Amazon Fulfillment 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
Senior Scientist, Translational Research
$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
Staff Engineering Science Specialist
$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
Senior Research Scientist, Quantum Demonstration Workflows, Quantum AI
$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
Research Scientist - Central Applied Science
$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
Research Scientist - Central Applied Science
$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
Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist
$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...
1 week ago
$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
$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
Principal Scientist, Predictive Sciences
$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
$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
$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
Director, Scientific Cloud Engineering
$172K - $236K *
Transform scientific discovery by leading a team in cloud engineering and infrastructure. Drive innovation in biotech research, ensuring optimal cloud solutions and robust computational capabilities w...
3 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.