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.
Research Engineer, Scientific Data & Workflow Infrastructure
$148K - $240K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing drug discovery through advanced ML and physics-based infrastructure. Collaborate with scientists to build a robust provenance system that enhances reproducibility an...
Reposted 6 days ago
$122K - $199K *
Join a team that's transforming work through AI solutions. As a Data Scientist, you'll lead projects from scoping to deployment, collaborating with clients and teams to create scalable data-driven sol...
1 week ago
$122K - $199K *
The Data Scientist - Forward Deployed Engineer will work directly with clients and internal teams to build and deploy AI-powered solutions, managing projects from scoping to deployment. This hybrid ro...
Reposted 1 week ago
$128K - $200K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research and product development. Lead experimental design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration while mentoring others to achieve innovative sol...
6 days ago
Program Manager, Safeguards Policy, Enforcement, and Threat Intelligence
$285K - $330K *
Optimize cross-functional program management to ensure alignment and efficiency across policy, enforcement, and threat intelligence teams, driving timely decision-making and clear communication in a f...
2 weeks ago
Applied AI Scientist, Technology Partnerships (Senior/Principal)
$200K - $300K *
Pioneer quantum-native generative methods by collaborating with partners, validating approaches against trusted benchmarks, and producing evidence to drive innovation in computational science for real...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$165K - $205K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing national security through innovative biochemistry. Provide expert support across DARPA's R&D lifecycle, translating complex objectives into actionable researc...
Yesterday
AI Research Scientist II - Office of the CTO
$167K - $209K *
Join a team that's advancing AI/ML methods to analyze complex biological data, collaborating across disciplines to develop scalable models that enhance our understanding of health and disease. Drive i...
Today
Senior Scientist, Product Development
$110K - $130K *
Develop advanced polymeric materials and semiconductor cleaning products through experimental design and collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and commercialization of next-gen...
Yesterday
Technical Program Manager, Scientific Intelligence for Gemini, DeepMind
$217K - $236K *
Empower innovation by leading complex engineering projects at the intersection of AI and scientific research. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive execution, enhance processes, and shape t...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in computational analysis of high-dimensional genomic datasets, collaborating with a dynamic team to extract biological insights and drive innovation in single-cell transcriptomics and...
Yesterday
Space Scientist, AST - Planetary Studies
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by leading NASA's orbital debris mitigation efforts, ensuring compliance and safety across programs. Collaborate with experts, develop standards, and represent the agency in nation...
Today
$57K - $104K *
Unlock potential by solving complex aerospace and defense challenges with a multidisciplinary team. Utilize AI/ML and software skills to develop innovative solutions in a collaborative environment, en...
Yesterday
$130K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team to transform complex healthcare challenges into innovative ML and AI solutions, enhancing care access and efficiency. Collaborate across research, product, and clinical domains to...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, LNP Discovery Biology
$94K - $144K *
Drive innovative LNP delivery research by executing in vitro and ex vivo studies, developing assays, and collaborating across teams to advance targeted therapies in immunology and neuroscience...
Yesterday
Senior Technical Laboratory Manager
$110K - $130K *
Optimize laboratory operations by providing strategic leadership and oversight. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure efficient transitions, manage budgets, and direct high-priority projects, enhan...
Yesterday
Applied Scientist (GenAI/LLM), Sandstone
$142K - $193K *
Innovate cutting-edge generative AI models for impactful applications, optimize algorithms, collaborate with experts, and lead advancements in machine learning to elevate overall model performance and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Program Specialist - Science Advisor (Secret Clearance Required)
$100K - $130K *
Contribute to the execution of S&T programs, supporting senior leadership and managing complex engagements. Leverage your expertise in project support and strategic planning to enhance Navy and Marine...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Scientist, Discovery Biology
$120K - $145K *
Drive early drug discovery programs by collaboratively designing and executing cell-based assays, analyzing results, and ensuring compliance with lab practices while contributing to biology strategy a...
3 weeks ago
$98K - $133K *
Strategize and execute multi-level computational enterprise models, leading efforts in user experience and interactive visualizations. Collaborate on research design and evaluations to support complex...
4 weeks ago
Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Spatial Omics Technology Development (Fixed-Term Contract)
$128K - $182K *
Transform technology development for Alzheimer’s research by stabilizing a custom imaging platform and optimizing spatial multiomics techniques. Join a collaborative team to drive innovation in biotec...
1 month ago
$220K - $270K *
Transform complex datasets into groundbreaking insights by leading AI model development and deploying robust pipelines. Collaborate across teams to innovate, optimize, and drive high-impact scientific...
4 weeks ago
Staff Computational Materials Scientist
$130K - $200K *
Transform material science capabilities by leveraging computational modeling to optimize properties in extreme environments. Collaborate across teams, addressing complex challenges for fusion energy a...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join as a strategic partner to the General Manager, tackling complex organizational challenges and driving initiatives across multiple functions to enhance operational excellence and deliver measurabl...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock the potential of data by designing and implementing advanced analytics solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop machine learning models and data pipelines that drive insights and i...
1 week 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.