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.
Lead Applied Scientist, Search & Information Retrieval
$147K - $274K *
Lead the design and deployment of large-scale search systems, enhancing retrieval for legal and enterprise content. Collaborate across teams to optimize architectures and ensure impactful, measurable...
1 week ago
Analytics Manager, Global Affairs
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by analyzing AI usage data to uncover insights that inform policy and communications strategies. Collaborate across teams to translate complex datasets into impactful narratives th...
Yesterday
Principal Scientist, Target Discovery & Portfolio Strategy
$164K - $205K *
Tackle innovative therapeutic opportunities by integrating datasets and research to drive strategic decisions in immunology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance target discovery and ant...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion the advancement of radiopharmaceutical products by leading analytical method development, process controls, and technology transfers, ensuring compliance and commercial viability from late-st...
Today
$220K - $260K *
Lead the charge in shaping technical strategies for AI solutions, engaging with customers and internal teams to drive innovative software architectures and cloud solutions across the Intelligence Comm...
Yesterday
Shift Supervisor, Research Operations
$118K - $182K *
Champion the seamless execution of automated lab workflows, ensuring operational excellence and quality while leading a dedicated team in a fast-paced research environment. Your leadership will drive...
Reposted 6 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in shaping technical strategies for AI solutions, engaging with customers and internal teams to drive innovation in shared software platforms and cloud architectures within the intelli...
2 days ago
Analytics Manager, Global Affairs
$120K - $145K *
Innovate data-driven insights into AI adoption trends, focusing on local and regional patterns. Analyze usage data to support policy development and strategic communications, translating complex findi...
Yesterday
Chief of Staff - Vice President of HIV, Hepatitis, and TB
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to drive strategic initiatives and enhance global health outcomes. Collaborate with senior leadership to synthesize complex data, manage special projects, and prepare impactful com...
Reposted 2 days ago
$120K - $160K *
Unlock insights by leveraging advanced analytics to develop models, algorithms, and simulations. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance data-driven solutions across multiple domains, driving impac...
3 days ago
$110K - $135K *
Unlock potential by leveraging advanced analytics to develop and implement data models, algorithms, and simulations, enhancing decision-making across multiple domains while collaborating with a dynami...
4 days ago
Scientific Project Coordinator III
$87K - $108K *
Shape your career with this multifaceted role that enhances scientific project management in brain health, focusing on data tracking, fiscal oversight, and operational excellence to ensure successful...
Reposted 5 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform drug discovery by leveraging your expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate novel targets and drive innovative research in neurolog...
1 week ago
Technical SME -- Space Science
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance space systems engineering and operations. Leverage your expertise in satellite technology and mission design to drive innovative solutions and ensure mission success in...
Yesterday
Associate Laboratory Director, Environment, Safety & Health
$150K - $180K *
Transform the safety and health culture of a 5,000-acre Lab by leading the Environment, Safety & Health Directorate. Provide strategic oversight, develop initiatives, and partner with leadership to en...
3 weeks ago
Applied Scientist, Leo Security
$142K - $193K *
Empower your career by building advanced statistical models to enhance security for a global satellite network. Collaborate with a dynamic team to analyze complex data, develop privacy-preserving tech...
3 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the advancement of model capabilities through empirical research, engineering, and operations. Drive end-to-end improvements, design evaluations, and analyze results to enhance dexterous task per...
Today
$135K - $160K *
Lead the development of advanced model capabilities, enhancing automation and logistics through rigorous experimentation and evaluation. Collaborate across research, engineering, and operations to dri...
Today
$135K - $170K *
Join a team that's driving innovative clinical research across multiple regions, leading teams to ensure on-time deliverables and high-quality data management in complex trials. Support site managemen...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Scientist II, Statistical Genetics
$184K - $215K *
Advance research in statistical genetics to uncover therapeutic targets for cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases. Collaborate with diverse cohorts and apply AI/ML methods to translate genetic insights...
3 days ago
Scientist I - Computation through Dynamics
$86K - $106K *
Analyze large-scale neural recordings to uncover algorithms behind flexible behavior. Collaborate across disciplines to develop models and insights that enhance understanding of neural computation and...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Lead and mentor an applied science team, translating client needs into rigorous research programs. Collaborate across teams to ensure successful project delivery and build trusted relationships with p...
Yesterday
$105K - $115K *
Lead the charge in overseeing IRB operations, managing a team of analysts, and ensuring compliance with human subjects research regulations while fostering professional development and process improve...
2 weeks ago
$105K - $115K *
Contribute to the oversight and management of IRB operations, guiding a team of analysts while ensuring compliance with regulations. Drive process improvements and provide training to enhance research...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Partner with us to lead and innovate in liquid chromatography, shaping next-gen technologies. Collaborate across functions to transform concepts into products that enhance customer value globally...
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.