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.
$110K - $130K *
Drive impactful intelligence analysis by leveraging advanced imagery science techniques. Collaborate with teams to enhance situational awareness and support critical military operations through expert...
6 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Accelerate drug discovery progress by partnering with global biopharma leaders. Leverage your expertise in antibody engineering and AI to enhance user experiences and guide scientific teams in harness...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$200K - $400K *
Join a team that's pioneering research in AI model interpretability. Collaborate with a mission-driven group to advance practical tools and techniques while fostering a culture of innovation and owner...
3 weeks ago
Staff / Senior Scientist, Assay Research
$123K - $187K *
Empower innovation by designing and executing assays that enhance protein sequencing technology. Collaborate across disciplines to establish workflows and optimize components, driving advancements in...
3 days ago
Research Scientist, Life Sciences (Experimental Biology)
$300K - $320K *
Elevate your career as you drive innovative research in molecular biology, merging experimental design with computational insights to address complex biological challenges and contribute to transforma...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of innovative memory and learning research. Shape groundbreaking experiments and algorithms that improve AI capabilities and enrich product offerings for top tech c...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, Analytical Science & Technology
$140K - $155K *
Pioneer your career in cell therapy innovation by leading method transfers and validations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and drive quality in late-stage clinical develo...
6 days ago
$90K - $105K *
Join a dynamic team to support cloud-based workflows for NASA Earth science data, integrating scientific expertise with software development to enhance remote sensing and ecological modeling. Contribu...
2 weeks ago
Principal Computational Biologist
$170K - $230K *
Advance therapeutic discovery by leading analytical frameworks for in vivo perturbation data, driving target prioritization, and collaborating with disease experts to enhance translational efficacy ac...
3 weeks ago
$97K - $136K *
Shape nonclinical research by planning, executing, and analyzing studies that drive innovative product development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality results and contribut...
3 weeks ago
Scientist I/II, Functional Genomics
$110K - $155K *
Champion groundbreaking in vivo CRISPR screening initiatives and lead innovative genetic research projects that drive therapeutic discoveries through high-throughput functional genomics and advanced t...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Contribute to the development and maintenance of software solutions, leveraging expertise in Unix/Linux and strong programming capabilities to deliver high-quality, customer-focused results throughout...
3 weeks ago
Scientific Solutions Architect
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team as you bridge scientific R&D and digital strategy, guiding customers to realize value through complex solutions tailored to their unique challenges. Drive transformation and ensure...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Empower geological excellence by leading open-pit mine geology operations, focusing on grade control and resource growth while collaborating cross-functionally to drive safe and efficient production...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Evolutionary Search & Autonomous Discovery
$208K - $286K *
Shape innovative evolutionary algorithms to enhance AI-driven scientific exploration, balancing exploration and exploitation while guiding autonomous systems through vast solution spaces. Engage in si...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join us to lead analytical studies, conduct experiments, and drive method validation while ensuring compliance with quality and safety regulations. Play a key role in supporting R&D projects and colla...
3 weeks ago
Senior Scientist and Executive Director, Envision Research Institute
$120K - $150K *
Lead and optimize research initiatives, mentor staff, and ensure strategic alignment with organizational goals while managing financial viability and compliance in a dynamic environment focused on low...
4 days ago
Policy Entrepreneurship, Manager/Senior Manager
$80K - $105K *
Engage in transformative policy entrepreneurship, driving science and technology initiatives. Collaborate with government leaders to advance R&D reforms, manage projects, and translate complex ideas i...
3 days ago
$104K - $120K *
Advance your career by leading biological resource surveys and analyses, mentoring teams, and managing regulatory compliance. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive projects that enhance environmental...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $216K *
Elevate scientific advancements by independently developing vaccine and biotherapeutic formulations, analyzing data, and leading research projects, ensuring the integrity and innovation critical to cl...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Agentic AI Research for Materials Science
$288K - $420K *
Reimagine the future of materials science by leading a team in developing agentic AI systems. Own the scientific rigor and technical direction to drive innovations from research to production, ultimat...
Reposted 4 days ago
Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Agentic AI Research for Materials Science
$288K - $420K *
Lead the charge in developing agentic AI systems for materials science, setting technical direction, mentoring a team, and integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications. Drive innovati...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Scientist, Continuous Manufacturing
$90K - $120K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of pharmaceutical engineering by providing expert support in continuous manufacturing processes, ensuring timely project delivery and collaboration across teams to...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Continuous Manufacturing
$90K - $120K *
Lead innovative continuous manufacturing processes, providing engineering support for R&D and ensuring excellence in API development and technical transfers while fostering strong collaborations acros...
1 week ago
Manager, Research Science, Special Projects
$159K - $215K *
Unlock potential by leading strategic initiatives and driving product innovation. Collaborate across teams to enhance commercial offerings and ensure operational excellence while mentoring a high-perf...
6 days 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.