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.
Senior Associate Scientist, Biology
$80K - $120K *
Accelerate progress at our innovative research team, where you'll design and execute experiments to validate novel targets for RNAi therapeutics, collaborating across functions to impact patient lives...
2 weeks ago
Applied Scientist - AI Experiences Search
$102K - $202K *
Transform the future of AI by driving applied research and engineering to enhance web data quality and model readiness. Collaborate across teams to develop innovative solutions that impact millions of...
Today
Engineer Lead (Library of Congress)
$175K - $195K *
Lead the charge in shaping technical direction and mentoring teams while driving program delivery and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration in a dynamic engineering environment...
Today
$72K - $90K *
Join a team that's dedicated to conducting impactful environmental assessments and analyses. Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to support transportation projects, ensuring compliance and sust...
1 week ago
Machine Learning Engineer, Physical Sciences AI
$180K - $298K *
Innovate by bridging research and production as you develop scalable AI/ML systems. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to transform models into reliable services, ensuring efficiency and perfor...
Reposted 1 week ago
Distinguished Scientist, Clinical Research
$255K - $402K *
Lead and innovate within a Translational Clinical Biomarker team, overseeing strategy and execution for oncology platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive biomarker research from pre...
Today
Supervisor, Analytical Laboratory
$166K - $194K *
Lead the charge in supervising Clinical Laboratory operations, guiding personnel, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Utilize your expertise to troubleshoot complex issues, mentor staff, and mai...
1 week ago
Senior / Engineer II, AI Lab Research Engineer
$148K - $240K *
Shape the future of AI-driven scientific discovery by designing advanced models that tackle complex challenges and enhance multi-step reasoning across various domains...
Reposted 1 week ago
Physical Scientist for EVU Regional Verification
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your career by advancing object-oriented verification techniques and developing customized workflows for high-resolution models. Collaborate with interagency teams to enhance quantitative prec...
2 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, Bioinformatics / Computational Biology
$115K - $172K *
Champion innovative bioinformatics solutions to drive vaccine and immune therapy advancements. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze complex datasets, design experiments, and translate i...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Parenteral Drug Product Development
$138K - $184K *
Shape the future of drug development by leading formulation and process innovations for parenteral products. Collaborate across teams to ensure high-quality solutions that advance novel therapies and...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Collaborate with a dynamic team to lead innovative research projects in AI, focusing on evaluation, simulation, and self-improvement. Shape the lab's agenda and culture while driving impactful results...
2 days ago
Scientist II, Computational Biology, Pharma R&D
$100K - $150K *
Analyze and integrate large-scale molecular and clinical datasets to generate critical insights that drive drug discovery efforts. Collaborate with pharmaceutical partners and utilize cutting-edge AI...
3 weeks ago
Scientist II, Computational Biology, Pharma R&D
$90K - $135K *
Transform healthcare by leveraging your computational biology expertise to drive drug discovery, integrate vast datasets, and use AI tools for impactful insights in collaboration with leading pharma p...
3 weeks ago
Scientist II, Computational Biology, Pharma R&D
$90K - $135K *
Drive the integration of AI and biological data science to generate actionable insights for drug discovery. Collaborate across teams, analyzing complex datasets while developing next-gen research tool...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower research by leveraging LLMs to design software and systems. You'll shape projects spanning maintenance to groundbreaking scientific exploration, enhancing researcher capabilities while cultiva...
Reposted yesterday
Physician-Scientist and Medical Director, OMRF Center for Healthy Aging
$200K - $250K *
Lead the establishment of a nationally recognized Center for Healthy Aging, bridging basic biology and clinical research. Drive innovative partnerships, mentor staff, and enhance community engagement...
Today
Staff Technical Program Manager, ASIC
$150K - $180K *
Drive the end-to-end Electronic IC program, integrating teams and processes while leveraging AI tools for silicon development. Deliver high-quality results from design through production, ensuring cro...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$150K - $190K *
Transform national security by driving AI adoption and strategy within a pivotal role. Collaborate across teams to assess technologies and lead responsible AI initiatives that enhance operational effe...
Reposted today
$95K - $115K *
Analyze complex data sets and drive strategic insights through model development and visualization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data-driven decision-making and communication acr...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower business strategies as a Data Scientist by analyzing complex data sets, developing predictive models, and collaborating with diverse teams to drive data insights and innovation...
4 weeks ago
AI/Bio Research Project Manager, Operations
$75K - $124K *
Join a team that's pivotal in enhancing operations for a leading research center. In this role, you'll manage processes, support diverse teams, and ensure efficient operations, all while contributing...
1 week ago
AI/Bio Research Project Manager, Operations
$75K - $124K *
Lead the charge in optimizing operations for a high-priority research center. Collaborate with teams to enhance processes, manage diverse tasks, and support strategic initiatives, ensuring efficient a...
1 week ago
AI/Bio Research Project Manager, Operations
$88K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading operations for a high-priority research center. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance processes, manage projects, and support strategic initiatives, ensuring efficient...
1 week ago
AI/Bio Research Project Manager, Operations
$75K - $124K *
Optimize operations by managing center-wide initiatives, enhancing processes, and supporting diverse teams to ensure efficient project execution and a collaborative work environment in a fast-paced re...
1 week 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.