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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$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

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

$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

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

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $144K *

Drive innovative research in tropical cyclone science, leveraging satellite data and advanced algorithms to enhance forecasting and decision support systems. Collaborate with experts to develop cuttin...

1 week ago

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

$130K - $160K *

Elevate user experience by developing a behavior model that predicts website interactions. Collaborate with engineers and researchers to analyze data, implement findings, and enhance online shopping e...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$190K - $220K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of global clinical trials by providing expert legal guidance on commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of legal processes whil...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $220K *

Lead the legal function by managing commercial agreements and advising on compliance. Collaborate with business teams to ensure rapid deal execution while mitigating risks. Drive process improvements...

Johnson City, TNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Elevate your career by leading engineering standards and AI governance across digital product domains. Drive technical excellence and cross-domain collaboration while ensuring compliance and security...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $210K *

Drive the analytical development and biophysical characterization of biologics. Collaborate across teams to evaluate therapeutic candidates and establish strategic testing methodologies. Lead technica...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $225K *

Join our dynamic team and drive bioanalytical strategies for clinical-stage programs. You'll lead collaborations with cross-functional partners and oversee outsourced bioanalysis, ensuring compliance...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $154K *

Empower innovation by applying your physics and engineering expertise to government security projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team to analyze data, conduct assessments, and present strategic recom...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$66K - $148K *

Lead the development and management of reference standards, ensuring compliance and technical integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality materials for pharmaceutical ap...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$134K - $205K *

Pioneer advancements in computational materials science, focusing on process-structure-properties relationships and modeling for extreme environments. Collaborate with engineers to optimize materials...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$85K - $110K *

Analyze and optimize biophysical characterization methods for viral vector analytics. Lead development and validation of analytical assays while supporting cross-functional collaborations in a cGMP en...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$250K - $320K *

Unlock the potential of AI infrastructure by leading technical discovery and architecture design. Drive benchmarks and proofs of concept, ensuring customer success while shaping scalable playbooks for...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $155K *

Join a team that's advancing therapeutic programs by designing and executing in vitro studies. Collaborate across disciplines to generate high-quality data that informs drug development for neurodegen...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$91K - $122K *

Innovate with us to advance molecular biology technologies that enhance global health. As a key contributor, you'll lead projects in next-generation sequencing and diagnostics, collaborating across te...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $200K *

Empower the future of AI by designing and implementing cutting-edge neuro-symbolic solutions. Collaborate with experts to tackle complex challenges, enhancing national security and societal impact thr...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$230K - $270K *

Unlock potential by defining and executing a comprehensive data strategy, building systems and pipelines, and leading AI initiatives to enhance R&D, manufacturing, and business operations in a fast-pa...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$132K - $188K *

Join our dynamic team to drive small-molecule drug development from concept to commercialization. Leverage your expertise in process chemistry to innovate, collaborate, and ensure the successful scale...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.