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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$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Richmond, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

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

$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

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

$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

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

$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

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

$88K - $145K *

Advance operations at a leading research center by managing key processes, supporting diverse teams, and enhancing organizational efficiency. Collaborate closely with leadership to drive initiatives a...

1 week ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Transform the future of transportation by leading a major county road commission, overseeing operations, budget management, and fostering collaboration with government entities to enhance road service...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$143K - $219K *

Drive AI research and development by collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and evaluate machine learning models that enhance cybersecurity solutions and improve endpoint management at en...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $219K *

Explore innovative AI solutions by designing and evaluating ML models for endpoint management and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate research into scalable product features...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $219K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of AI research, collaborating across engineering and product teams to design and implement innovative AI and ML models for intelligent endpoint management and secur...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $219K *

Transform the future of cybersecurity by leveraging AI and ML to enhance intelligent endpoint management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that drive efficiency...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $219K *

Advance AI research by designing and implementing ML models for cybersecurity solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance endpoint management through innovative data analysis and pre...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $220K *

Innovate complex air defense solutions through advanced modeling and analysis. Collaborate with defense leaders to provide insights, using cutting-edge tools while mentoring others. Travel for engagem...

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$80K - $90K *

Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge AI and ML tools for optimizing DoD detection systems. Lead projects, mentor junior developers, and enhance military sensors through innovative software appl...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $90K *

Innovate cutting-edge AI and ML solutions to enhance DoD detection systems. Collaborate with a scientific team to develop software applications, mentor junior developers, and support field testing whi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Transform data into actionable insights by applying statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to enhance human performance and readiness within the enterprise. Collaborate with teams to dev...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Transform business operations by optimizing cross-functional systems, enhancing revenue strategies, and leveraging AI for automation. Collaborate closely with founders to drive organizational growth a...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Transform operations as you drive strategic initiatives and data automation across functions. Collaborate with founders, enhance commercial strategies, and scale AI-native processes, all while ensurin...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $250K *

Drive the development of intelligent agents to enhance engineering workflows, combining technical leadership and user collaboration to optimize task completion and product value in desktop engineering...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$130K - $155K *

Grow your career with a hands-on role in data science by driving content performance analytics, mentoring junior analysts, and deploying advanced modeling techniques to predict audience behaviors and...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$90K - $100K *

Shape the future of pharmaceutical standards by leading compendial analytical methods, ensuring compliance with global pharmacopeias, and driving method verification strategies to enhance product qual...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $100K *

Accelerate your career by leading compendial analytical methods and ensuring compliance with global pharmacopeial standards. Collaborate with teams to develop strategies and documentation for successf...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $260K *

Pioneer strategic leadership in Quality Assurance, ensuring compliance and excellence across U.S. operations. Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence while managing a high-performing t...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.