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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$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

Etobicoke, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$142K - $193K *

Help us revolutionize life sciences by developing AI models that enhance clinical trial operations and agentic reasoning. Collaborate with experts to create impactful solutions that transform therapeu...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$135K - $165K *

Innovate with us to drive high-impact research in single cell and spatial genomics. Collaborate across disciplines to analyze complex datasets, uncover insights, and contribute to groundbreaking advan...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$153K - $184K *

Transform marine research by managing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring project success, and fostering innovation in ocean, coastal, and river engineering. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance Can...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovative algorithmic solutions to complex technical challenges, leveraging AI, machine learning, and statistical methods. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance national security applic...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure safe, effective radiation therapy and imaging. Drive quality assurance, optimize treatment plans, and enhance patient outcomes through innovative technologi...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$81K - $90K *

Join a team that's advancing stem cell and developmental biology through innovative research and collaboration. Contribute to cutting-edge projects that shape the future of biotechnology and human hea...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$65K - $140K *

Lead the charge in advancing organ donation research through complex quantitative studies. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, execute, and analyze data-driven projects, ensuring scien...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$65K - $120K *

Join a team that's pioneering research at the intersection of geriatrics, dementia, and emergency care. Lead innovative projects, manage data analysis, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enh...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $140K *

Lead the charge in advancing quantitative research on substance use and mental health. Collaborate with diverse partners to enhance treatment quality and health outcomes for vulnerable populations thr...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Lead innovative research in statistical genetics, driving advancements in complex traits and disease prediction. Collaborate with a dynamic team to analyze large datasets and mentor emerging scientist...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $159K *

Elevate research capabilities by designing and optimizing cellular activity imaging experiments, capturing neural dynamics, and advancing neural technology through collaboration across multiple scient...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $126K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative cell-based assays to drive discovery programs. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance platform growth and contribute to in vivo pharmacology activities, ens...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $230K *

Join a team that’s driving strategic growth initiatives by identifying and capturing new business opportunities. Leverage your expertise in technical program management to lead proposals and build str...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$500K+*

Unlock potential by leading an applied research team, setting priorities, and driving hands-on AI projects. Collaborate with customer labs to enhance model capabilities and deliver impactful research...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in product lifecycle management, from research to market launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product strategies and support global marketin...

Richmond, BCIn-Person

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Develop and manage the product lifecycle for enzymes and kinases, driving cross-functional collaboration and market strategy. Analyze performance and support marketing efforts to deliver impactful sol...

Richmond, BCIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$153K - $207K *

Lead the charge in shaping the editorial vision for a premier science platform, driving publishing operations, and elevating Amazon's scientific storytelling to engage diverse audiences and enhance it...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$115K - $230K *

Join a dynamic team to advance quantum research, providing technical expertise and leadership in cutting-edge projects. Collaborate on innovative solutions in quantum information science, ensuring ali...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $115K *

Join a team that's advancing antibody discovery through innovative techniques, including immunogen design and flow cytometry. Contribute to the development of novel therapeutic antibodies in a dynamic...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Empower your career by leading our Quality Management System and cultivating a quality-centric culture. Collaborate across teams to define standards, manage audits, and support regulatory compliance a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks 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.