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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$320K - $485K *

Optimize machine learning systems to detect and prevent account abuse at scale. Collaborate with teams to build tools that enhance model performance while ensuring robust, fair computing resource allo...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leveraging data science to enhance fraud strategies, drive client engagement, and develop impactful solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and utilize machine learning...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$179K - $198K *

Lead groundbreaking research in immunology, advancing targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases by integrating biology, pharmacology, and chemistry, while fostering innovation and team collaboration...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$380K - $420K *

Join a team that seeks a scientific leader to develop advanced machine learning models focused on Alzheimer’s research, driving innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on manageme...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$265K - $306K *

Pioneer data-driven solutions in a thriving fintech environment. Join our collaborative data science team to drive product innovation and shape strategic decisions that enhance customer experience and...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate product strategy and delivery in an evolving security landscape. Own roadmap execution, collaborate with engineering, and engage with customers to build trust and drive innovation. Measure...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$91K - $187K *

Optimize project delivery by leading complex Federal initiatives, driving cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Manage multiple projects from planning to executi...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$91K - $187K *

Engage in leading complex Federal projects, driving operational excellence and transformation initiatives. Collaborate across teams to implement strategic solutions, manage dependencies, and ensure su...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$50K - $180K *

Drive project success by managing all aspects of program execution, from budgeting to risk management. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure goals are met while fostering a positive, inclusive work...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Business Services

$144K - $198K *

Transform cutting-edge laser technologies by leading innovative research and development efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance high-power laser systems, driving advancements in o...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining intelligence architecture by crafting context and standards for autonomous agents. Drive measurable outcomes through effective communication and system structure, enhanci...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Play a key role in market research initiatives by leading diverse healthcare projects, collaborating closely with clients and cross-functional teams to ensure objectives are met and impactful insights...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$82K - $108K *

Champion the design and development of manufacturing processes for innovative radiopharmaceuticals, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful technology transfer and analytical me...

Hamilton, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $193K *

Shape advanced machine learning solutions to enhance eCommerce fraud detection, driving impactful business value through innovative algorithms and automation in a collaborative, diverse team environme...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$128K - $198K *

Drive the development and validation of electron diffraction characterization workflows, translating complex data into structured outputs to enhance materials discovery and collaboration with cross-fu...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Empower your career by investigating computer security incidents and exploiting media to derive actionable intelligence, while enhancing network resilience through expert analysis and forensic insight...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $160K *

Elevate your career by providing high-level administrative support to the CEO. Manage calendars, communications, and special projects while ensuring confidentiality and efficiency in a dynamic environ...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$127K - $157K *

Develop and lead a comprehensive Biosafety Program, ensuring compliance and safety in biological research. Collaborate across teams to enhance safety practices and provide expert guidance on biosafety...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$275K - $315K *

Engage as a trusted technical advisor, guiding customers through the integration of AI solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect scalable systems, ensuring alignment with busines...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $190K *

Unlock potential by providing critical technical support for government software systems. Thrive in a dynamic environment, leveraging your engineering expertise to ensure smooth operations and enhance...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $190K *

Develop comprehensive engineering solutions that address operational needs while synthesizing high-level requirements into documentation and repeatable procedures for a critical government contract...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $250K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of computational science, driving innovation in AI/ML and high-performance computing. Lead the development of advanced models that support critical national securit...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$207K - $300K *

Drive innovative solutions by leveraging machine learning and software engineering expertise. Collaborate across teams to enhance data analysis, improve user experiences, and tackle complex challenges...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$68K - $114K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on developing innovative biological therapeutics and vaccines. Contribute to method development and quality assessment in a fast-paced environment, c...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$161K - $232K *

Drive program success by managing cost, schedule, and technical performance while fostering customer relationships and leading agile software development initiatives from inception to completion...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 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.