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.
Senior Manager, Study Management
$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
$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
$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
Sr. Analytical and Reliability Scientist
$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
$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
$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
$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
Principal Data Architect - Office of the CTO
$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
Principal Scientist, Analytical Development & Formulation
$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
$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
Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Bioscience
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Principal Scientist, CMC Analytical
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$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
$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
Senior Director, Scientific Partnerships and Alliances
$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
$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
$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
Member of Technical Staff, Agentic Environments
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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
Chief Technology Officer - Surgical Innovations
$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
General Manager, Research Operations
$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
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.