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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$175K - $215K *

Unlock potential by leading protein sciences for bispecific antibody programs. Manage a team, oversee developability screening, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive therapeutic advancements and...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $200K *

Manage complex engineering projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to budget and timelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project execution and foster a high-perfo...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by leading high-throughput antibody discovery and development in a collaborative environment. Utilize advanced techniques in protein biochemistry, automation, and molecular biology, w...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by developing robust ML systems that enhance self-improvement through reliable training and evaluation loops. Collaborate across teams to ensure feedback mechanisms are effective and...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$123K - $140K *

Drive product innovation and formulation excellence in medical foods and dietary supplements, optimizing processes and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver scientifically robust and commerciall...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$87K - $108K *

Champion groundbreaking theories of neural circuit dynamics using vast datasets to discover how brain architecture influences behavior. Collaborate with experts to translate insights into experimental...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$111K - $135K *

Develop and commercialize innovative sample preparation and LC-MS/MS solutions, addressing complex biopharma challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive R&D projects and deliver impac...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $180K *

Shape the future of neuroscience by leveraging AI to enhance research methodologies. Collaborate with experts to define benchmarks, analyze data, and ensure AI agents meet rigorous scientific standard...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $180K *

Elevate neuroscience with AI as you define expert reasoning, design research tasks, and validate agent outputs. Collaborate with engineers to enhance workflows and ensure scientific rigor in AI applic...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$174K - $252K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of innovative research, applying cutting-edge machine learning and analysis techniques to real-world challenges. Collaborate with diverse experts to advance project...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $140K *

Transform analytical strategies for biologics, leading method development and regulatory support from early stages to commercialization. Drive innovation and mentor teams to ensure quality and complia...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$174K - $252K *

Unlock potential by conducting cutting-edge AI research in health technology, focusing on wearables and mobile platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that e...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $250K *

Make your mark at the forefront of clinical operations, driving global studies from strategy to execution while ensuring operational integration across teams and vendors for successful Phase 3 program...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

$110K - $130K *

Grow your career with a leadership role overseeing field operations, managing teams, and enhancing performance across multiple regions. Drive improvements in safety, cost, and reliability while implem...

Burnaby, BCIn-Person

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

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.