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.
$150K - $180K *
Develop and own innovative AI research projects in healthcare, collaborating with teams to create impactful methodologies that bridge scientific excellence with practical applications, driving advance...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead groundbreaking AI research initiatives in healthcare, focusing on developing innovative methodologies and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure impactful scientific contributions are transla...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$150K - $200K *
Champion strategic initiatives and operational excellence as you partner with senior leadership to enhance firm performance, streamline workflows, and drive impactful change in a dynamic, high-growth...
6 days ago
$180K - $220K *
Deliver engineering-grade project outcomes by leading a scalable team handling LNG, gas-to-power, and petrochemical projects. Ensure quality and timely execution while managing client relationships an...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Director, Head of Strategic Initiatives
$193K - $242K *
Shape strategic initiatives within a high-impact leadership role, driving complex supplier transitions and operational excellence across a global network. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure timely...
Today
Research Scientist, ML Systems
$160K - $190K *
Unlock potential by re-engineering core ML systems for peak performance, combining deep expertise in HPC and parallel programming with novel algorithms to drive the future of quantitative research in...
Reposted 1 week ago
$130K - $160K *
Drive strategic partnerships and growth for life sciences in a dynamic role. Shape product direction, influence company strategy, and deliver impactful insights while collaborating with senior stakeho...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$114K - $190K *
Engineer data-driven solutions to enhance Marine Corps mission capabilities through rigorous analysis, modeling, and simulation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable insights...
3 days ago
Senior Geospatial Information Scientist and Technologist
$95K - $115K *
Take ownership of advanced geospatial systems administration, ensuring optimal performance and security of enterprise GIS technologies. Collaborate with technical teams to support mission-critical geo...
Today
Senior Manager, Scientific Discovery Capacity Planning
$140K - $172K *
Transform capacity planning processes and cross-functional collaboration to align operational delivery with market demand, ensuring efficient growth and profitability in a fast-paced environment. Driv...
Reposted 6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform the future of quality assurance by building scalable systems that audit training data, optimize workflows, and improve vendor collaboration in a fast-paced, innovative environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Data Scientist (TS/SCI w/ FSP)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock insights as you analyze and visualize complex datasets, driving critical decision-making for an Intelligence Community agency. Collaborate with teams to deliver actionable intelligence through...
2 weeks ago
$122K - $135K *
Optimize spacecraft autonomy and mission operations automation using advanced AI technologies. Engage in software development for real-time decision-making, planning, scheduling, and resource allocati...
1 month ago
Chief Enterprise Grants Technology Officer
$170K - $200K *
Drive the strategic vision for enterprise grants technology, ensuring alignment with federal priorities. Lead modernization efforts, integrating advanced technologies to enhance grants management and...
4 days ago
Sr. Bioinformatics Scientist - Collaborations
$158K - $190K *
Transform cancer genomics by collaborating with experts to develop innovative solutions for precision medicine, focusing on liquid biopsy and solid tumor analysis to enhance patient outcomes in immuno...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in shaping operational strategy to drive growth, overseeing execution across various functions. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes and facilitate decision-making, ensuring...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Physics and Technology Analyst-Technical Staff
$145K - $220K *
Help us drive advancements in cutting-edge DoD technologies through systems analysis, contributing innovative solutions for critical missions and developing complex models while collaborating with int...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Applied Scientist, Risk and Compliance Solutions (RCS)
$167K - $226K *
Join a dynamic team to design and implement advanced ML and GenAI systems that enhance compliance processes, driving efficiency and accuracy in regulatory change management while collaborating with cr...
3 days ago
$195K - $312K *
Elevate your career by assisting in the management of research programs, guiding project execution, and fostering staff development while ensuring compliance with corporate policies and maintaining sp...
Yesterday
$88K - $105K *
Empower your career by leveraging data science to drive decarbonization initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable analytical solutions that address real-world emissions...
Today
Principal Data Scientist (Partial Telework)
$200K - $280K *
Champion groundbreaking data science initiatives, leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning to drive impactful solutions for government clients. Collaborate with a dynamic team while engaging...
4 weeks ago
Principal Data Scientist (Partial Telework)
$200K - $280K *
Unlock the potential of data as you lead advanced analytical projects, collaborating with experts to enhance mission-critical systems for government clients while driving innovation in machine learnin...
4 weeks ago
Scientist, Neurobiology (In Vivo/Ex Vivo)
$116K - $137K *
Join a dynamic neurobiology team to advance neuroscience research through innovative in vivo and ex vivo studies. Collaborate across functions to validate targets and develop therapeutics for neuropsy...
Reposted yesterday
Quantum Applications Scientist
$145K - $220K *
Unlock potential by conducting innovative research in quantum computing applications, developing algorithms and circuit implementations, and collaborating with experts to solve significant scientific...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal Applied Scientist, Mission AI Lab, AWS Region Services
$198K - $269K *
Invent cutting-edge models for complex reasoning tasks in a hands-on role. Collaborate with engineers and analysts to push AI capabilities, shaping the future of national security solutions through in...
3 days 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.