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.
Director, Scientific Technology & Laboratory Systems
$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...
3 weeks ago
Director, Scientific Technology & Laboratory Systems
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
6 days ago
$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...
6 days ago
Principal Engineer Capacity/Compute
$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
Principal Engineer Capacity/Compute
$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
Senior Scientist I, Cancer Genomics, Clinical Biomarker Development
$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
Senior Applied Scientist, Fauna
$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
2027 Science Policy Fellowship
$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
Associate Director / Director, Customer Program Management, Physical Sciences
$148K - $224K *
Lead and champion complex scientific customer programs, ensuring operational excellence and fostering strong relationships while coordinating diverse teams for successful delivery and growth...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $110K *
Invent solutions by conducting malaria entomology research, planning experiments, and collaborating with global teams to advance immunology and vaccinology protocols. Drive innovation and support data...
3 weeks ago
Human Factors Managing Scientist (M.S. or Ph.D.)
$137K - $167K *
Lead a team in analyzing human performance to solve complex technical challenges across various domains, focusing on accident prevention and safety risk management while collaborating with multi-disci...
2 days ago
Senior / Principal Scientist, Preclinical and Clinical Research
$130K - $160K *
Contribute scientifically and manage clinical operations in support of groundbreaking studies. Oversee all aspects of clinical trials, from protocol development to data management, ensuring compliance...
1 month ago
$82K - $113K *
Join a team that's shaping clinical evidence strategies across Tissue Reconstruction. Contribute to study design, execution, and data analysis, while collaborating cross-functionally to support innova...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Research Solutions Engineering
$82K - $87K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research through technology. Lead and mentor a talented group of professionals in delivering high-performance computing solutions that support innovative rese...
3 weeks ago
Senior R&D Technical Project Manager
$140K - $200K *
Lead complex R&D projects in high-temperature superconducting magnet systems, interfacing with executives and technical teams. Drive innovation from concept to production, managing risks and ensuring...
4 weeks ago
Tidal Grow Agriscience Senior Director of Research & Development
$250K *
Empower advanced R&D in agricultural technologies, blending hands-on lab work with strategic leadership. Drive innovations and develop a high-performing team in the chitosan polymer science sector to...
Reposted 1 week ago
Research Scientist, Human Data & Evaluation
$150K - $200K *
Champion innovative research initiatives by transforming complex client questions into actionable insights. Take ownership of projects from concept to delivery, leveraging cutting-edge methodologies a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Human Data & Evaluation
$150K - $200K *
Engage in pioneering research within AI, transforming client questions into impactful studies. Lead end-to-end projects, design methodologies, and generate insights, driving innovation at the intersec...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Analyze and contribute to all-source intelligence on foreign WMD programs, supporting DoD and USG counter-WMD efforts. Engage in strategic and tactical analysis, enhancing national security through ex...
Today
Human Factors Scientist (Ph.D.)
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovative human factors research to enhance safety and usability across diverse projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze human performance, manage consulting activities, an...
2 days ago
Senior Director, Analytical Sciences
$215K - $240K *
Shape the future of drug development by leading analytical strategies, ensuring compliance and optimization of processes across lifecycle stages, and collaborating with cross-functional teams and exte...
3 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer/Scientist (Ph.D.)
$140K - $154K *
Elevate your career by solving complex electrical engineering challenges. Collaborate with a dynamic team on diverse projects in power systems, renewable energy, and consumer products, while shaping y...
1 week ago
Engineering Operations Lead (MDA)
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in operational integration and technical synchronization for missile defense systems. Manage executive engineering rhythms, coordinate lifecycle documentation, and facilitate cross-dir...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in supporting defense analytical requirements through advanced scientific research and all-source analysis. Collaborate on interdisciplinary physics applications, conduct independent r...
2 weeks 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.