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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$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to managing study activities in compliance with regulatory standards. Oversee a dynamic group of scientists, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality study support i...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Analyze complex scientific data through advanced analytics while developing predictive models and algorithms. Collaborate with teams to present findings, support business development, and ensure the o...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Drive financial excellence by overseeing operations, managing a high-performing team, and implementing strategies to ensure compliance and support growth in the fast-evolving technology and blockchain...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $162K *

Engineer innovative analytical methods and product testing for a cutting-edge CCL R&D program. Lead cross-functional teams to establish reliability assessments and ensure high-quality standards in a d...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$175K - $210K *

Lead and manage a global R&D organization, driving product development and innovation while aligning technology strategies with business objectives to ensure high-quality software solutions and custom...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $220K *

Shape the future of product development by leading a global R&D team, driving innovation, and aligning technology strategies with business goals to deliver high-quality software solutions that enhance...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$175K - $210K *

Lead a global R&D team to innovate and deliver high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with key stakeholders to align technology strategies with business goals, driving product evolution and cust...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$167K - $209K *

Lead the charge in establishing data governance and stewardship practices across multimodal biological data assets, enhancing discoverability and compliance while supporting open science initiatives a...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $185K *

Unlock potential by leading analytical and formulation development for innovative biologics while managing regulatory compliance and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive projects from in...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Champion US regulatory engagement by tracking rulemakings, drafting submissions, and leading meetings with key agencies, Congress, and industry coalitions to shape the future of onchain lending policy...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$112K - $168K *

Shape the future of cell therapy by leveraging your expertise in immunology and data analysis. Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to drive innovative research and advance next-generation thera...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$87K - $120K *

Advance peptide process development by driving research, optimization, and compliance initiatives. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions for peptide manufacturing and expand capabil...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $151K *

Engage in leading protein expression assays for translational research, overseeing assay design, validation, and testing. Supervise lab staff, ensure quality, and communicate results effectively to cl...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $200K *

Unlock potential by leading the exploration of innovative AI methods, designing rigorous evaluations, and translating research into scalable solutions that drive business impact across diverse applica...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $209K *

Unlock potential by leading data-driven initiatives to optimize infrastructure processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable models and solutions, ensuring high-quality data s...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $190K *

Unlock potential by leading analytical strategies for drug development, ensuring robust quality control throughout product lifecycle. Collaborate with partners to deliver exceptional insights that dri...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$161K - $257K *

Elevate software engineering practices by modernizing legacy C/C++ systems, ensuring compliance with NSA security standards, and mentoring teams to adopt secure coding methodologies for high-assurance...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Transform market research by leveraging AI and human expertise. Partner with leading brands to deliver actionable insights, drive strategic decisions, and shape the future of research in a fast-paced...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$227K - $298K *

Grow your career with a pivotal role in shaping strategic partnerships that drive innovative brain disease research and therapeutic translation, fostering collaboration across academia, industry, and...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$171K - $222K *

Transform the landscape of content understanding by leveraging applied machine learning to solve complex challenges, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance creator and viewer experiences through...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Transform environmental compliance by leading audits and regulatory strategies. Drive technical excellence, mentor junior staff, and ensure adherence to environmental regulations across diverse projec...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of AI technology, focusing on scalable production systems. Collaborate with engineers and scientists to design high-performing software and tools, ensuring se...

York, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$79K - $131K *

Execute laboratory management practices that enhance operational efficiency, maintain equipment, manage inventories, and foster collaboration within R&D, ensuring a safe environment and adherence to q...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$210K - $250K *

Shape the future of surgical technology by leading innovation and strategy across global R&D teams. Drive product development and clinical solutions that enhance surgical decision-making and improve p...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Lead a dynamic operations team, driving performance and growth while adapting to evolving research needs. Champion staffing, training, and quality improvements to ensure high-output results in a fast...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.