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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$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

$163K - $286K *

Elevate research and innovation by leading a dynamic team, driving strategic initiatives in life sciences. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions and foster creativity for busine...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$175K - $210K *

Champion the development of a cutting-edge narrative intelligence platform, overseeing engineering, AI, data, and compliance. Drive organizational strategy and lead a team to enhance persuasive commun...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$105K *

Innovate product development by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing formulations, and managing projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with business goals and customer nee...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$95K - $115K *

Drive the analysis and monitoring of GNSS data to enhance satellite orbit accuracy, ensuring program integrity and supporting global tracking initiatives. Collaborate with teams to develop algorithms...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join us to analyze geophysical data and support GNSS systems, ensuring program integrity and contributing to satellite tracking efforts. Collaborate with a team to develop algorithms and tools while a...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Lead the development and maintenance of CBRN equipment support structures. Supervise inspections and calibrations, manage training materials, and provide expert support for mission-critical tasks. Tra...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$157K - $196K *

Champion innovative research by leading projects in molecular biology to develop cutting-edge diagnostic tests for early cancer detection. Collaborate cross-functionally and mentor junior scientists t...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Manage operations across three DoD directorates, ensuring contract performance, overseeing personnel, and coordinating cyber threat initiatives. Lead a diverse team while serving as the main communica...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $114K *

Lead the charge in analytical method development for mRNA and LNP technologies, driving innovation and process understanding. Collaborate across teams to optimize product quality and mentor junior sci...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$129K - $207K *

Transform the future of microelectronics by leading innovative research in nanofabrication. Collaborate with a diverse team to develop cutting-edge materials and techniques, while fostering user engag...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$127K - $138K *

Innovate autonomous systems by developing algorithms for planning, scheduling, and resource allocation, leveraging AI technologies to enhance mission operations in space and beyond, while automating c...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $178K *

Unlock potential by advancing innovative Cell Therapy products through computational biology, experimental design, and collaborative research. Join a dynamic team to drive impactful discoveries in imm...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by leading impactful research in wireless communications and sensing systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on innovative projects while mentoring students and contribut...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$89K - $123K *

Innovate operational delivery for early-phase clinical studies by managing vendor collaborations, ensuring compliance, and integrating protocols. Drive project management to deliver high-quality resul...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$185K - $232K *

Shape the future of laboratory operations by leading teams that deliver innovative scientific technology solutions, ensuring alignment with company strategies and driving performance improvements acro...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$185K - $232K *

Drive the strategic direction of laboratory systems and scientific technology, leading cross-functional teams to optimize performance, innovate processes, and deliver effective solutions aligning with...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Develop and optimize Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) through innovative experiments, collaborating cross-functionally to support process characterization and regulatory submissions, while mentoring ot...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in advancing aerospace research through innovative software development, collaborating with teams to enhance data visualization and analysis systems while mentoring junior staff and al...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$320K - $485K *

Drive the development of robust production systems for capacity management, ensuring optimal utilization of infrastructure resources across diverse cloud environments while collaborating with cross-fu...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$320K - $485K *

Shape the future of infrastructure management by building robust systems that optimize resource allocation, enhance efficiency, and provide real-time insights across diverse cloud environments, drivin...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$149K - $186K *

Transform cancer research by applying advanced genomics analyses and integrating multi-omics data. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to derive insights from clinical biomarker data, influencing...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$192K - $260K *

Lead the development of advanced algorithms for robotics, focusing on spatial intelligence and semantic understanding to enhance autonomous decision-making and navigation in dynamic environments...

1 week ago

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

$81K *

Join a dynamic team to analyze and support science and technology policy initiatives. Engage with federal agencies, conduct research, and develop analytical skills in a collaborative environment over...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.