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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$130K - $216K *

Elevate scientific advancements by independently developing vaccine and biotherapeutic formulations, analyzing data, and leading research projects, ensuring the integrity and innovation critical to cl...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$104K - $120K *

Advance your career by leading biological resource surveys and analyses, mentoring teams, and managing regulatory compliance. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive projects that enhance environmental...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$288K - $420K *

Reimagine the future of materials science by leading a team in developing agentic AI systems. Own the scientific rigor and technical direction to drive innovations from research to production, ultimat...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$288K - $420K *

Lead the charge in developing agentic AI systems for materials science, setting technical direction, mentoring a team, and integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications. Drive innovati...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Lead innovative continuous manufacturing processes, providing engineering support for R&D and ensuring excellence in API development and technical transfers while fostering strong collaborations acros...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of pharmaceutical engineering by providing expert support in continuous manufacturing processes, ensuring timely project delivery and collaboration across teams to...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$159K - $215K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic initiatives and driving product innovation. Collaborate across teams to enhance commercial offerings and ensure operational excellence while mentoring a high-perf...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$132K - $142K *

Lead the charge in establishing innovative protein science capabilities to drive the discovery and engineering of therapeutic proteins. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize protein des...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by conducting impactful flood and coastal hazards research. Utilize numerical modeling, geospatial analysis, and community engagement to address pressing environmental challenges a...

2 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading innovative R&D programs that drive product development from concept to commercialization, while mentoring scientists and shaping strategic initiatives in a collaborati...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$270K - $295K *

Lead strategic initiatives at the enterprise level, enhancing decision-making and execution across functions. Collaborate with senior leaders to shape priorities and drive organizational effectiveness...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$268K - $384K *

Help us drive innovative research at the intersection of machine learning and life sciences, developing foundational models to solve complex biological problems and advance discoveries in the field...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$86K - $106K *

Champion innovative research in synapse proteomics to enhance understanding of neuronal function. Collaborate across teams to develop scalable methodologies and analyze complex datasets, driving insig...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's pioneering research in reproductive biology, focusing on innovative techniques for oocyte collection and embryo transfer in non-model organisms. Collaborate with experts to enhance...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$167K - $260K *

Shape cutting-edge advancements in AI by leading deep reasoning research and driving innovative systems, while collaborating with a dynamic team to create impactful solutions in a fast-paced environme...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the development and implementation of advanced data analytics to enhance food safety and public health initiatives, collaborating with key stakeholders and leveraging scientific methodologies to...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$100K - $120K *

Transform your career by guiding scientific innovation for research leaders, leveraging Cradle's cutting-edge platform. Partner with sales to enhance customer strategies while shaping product evolutio...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$210K - $265K *

Accelerate innovation by leading technology strategy and execution across engineering, architecture, AI, and cloud operations. Drive modernization and operational excellence while ensuring security an...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Engineer advanced protein design models and collaborate with experts to innovate in AI Drug Discovery, driving the development of candidate antibody therapeutics through deep learning and systems biol...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $180K *

Lead and mentor a dynamic team in high-throughput screening and NGS workflows, driving innovation in oligonucleotide therapeutics. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize assays and enhance operati...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $165K *

Drive innovation in enzyme discovery by leading high-throughput biochemical assays. Leverage your expertise in protein biochemistry and enzymology to advance next-gen sequencing technologies and enhan...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $150K *

Innovate within a dynamic Ink Materials Development Group to create cutting-edge electrophoretic inks. Collaborate with diverse teams to transition projects from feasibility to commercialization while...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Explore a dynamic role bridging engineering and regulatory expertise. You'll shape systems that streamline documentation for R&D and regulatory processes, collaborating with domain experts to ensure a...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Elevate AI capabilities in advanced manufacturing by architecting and building a robust AI technology foundation. Collaborate across departments to enhance decision-making and automate workflows, driv...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Engage your expertise to lead analytical development for biopharma projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior scientists, and address complex challenges in antibody characterizat...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

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.