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.
Executive Director, Quality Assurance
$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
$95K - $115K *
Pioneer innovative AI/ML workflows for numerical weather prediction, optimizing high-performance computing and cloud platforms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance NOAA's Seasonal Fore...
3 weeks ago
Principal Cybersecurity Engineer
$195K - $293K *
Lead the development and execution of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, ensuring robust security architecture across diverse environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance secu...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Transform program management practices by developing governance frameworks, establishing policies, and coaching leaders. Drive efficiency and best practices across the portfolio while enhancing skills...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Information Security & IT
$160K - $180K *
Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity and IT programs across compliance, cloud, and application security. Collaborate with teams to implement secure practices in a hands-on role while driving ini...
3 weeks ago
Executive Director, Global Client Delivery Biotech
$190K - $260K *
Transform client delivery in biotech by leading a high-performing team, driving operational excellence, and fostering innovation. Champion technology adoption and continuous improvement to enhance cli...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Translational Immunology
$130K - $209K *
Lead innovative translational immunology studies, guiding vaccine and therapeutic development through expert analysis of immune responses in preclinical and human models, while mentoring colleagues an...
3 days ago
Senior / Principal Scientist Analytical Method Development Lead
$125K - $180K *
Champion analytical method development and validation for microneedle array patches. Lead a team in creating robust, regulatory-compliant methods from Phase 2 to commercialization, ensuring quality an...
1 week ago
Academic Research Scientist- School of Medicine, Pathology
$88K - $105K *
Empower groundbreaking research by leading advanced experimental workflows in human immunology and multi-omics. Collaborate with teams to uncover immune mechanisms and drive translational science in a...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining fintech by building scalable, secure credit solutions. As a key engineer, you'll drive technical direction and product delivery, shaping innovative systems in a fast-pace...
6 days ago
Scientist I - Neural Circuits Theory
$87K - $108K *
Explore the intricacies of neural circuits by developing data-driven theories that reveal how brain connectivity shapes computation and behavior. Collaborate with experimentalists to transform theoret...
Today
Translational AI Scientist/Engineer
$150K - $185K *
Unlock potential by designing and deploying AI systems that enhance translational science, enabling evidence-based recommendations for drug discovery and target validation through innovative technolog...
1 week ago
Senior Data Scientist TS/SCI CI poly
$130K - $155K *
Drive innovation in data science by developing algorithms for synthetic aperture radar imagery, enhancing analytics, and refining verification processes to optimize performance across diverse use case...
Today
Vice President of Government Affairs
$260K - $340K *
Lead the charge in shaping AI governance policies by engaging with Senate leadership to transform AIPN’s vision into actionable legislation. Drive bipartisan collaboration while navigating complex nat...
3 weeks ago
Vice President of Government Affairs
$260K - $340K *
Drive impactful AI governance by engaging with Senate leaders to shape legislation, ensuring effective strategies for national security and technology policy, while fostering bipartisan coalitions and...
3 weeks ago
Data Scientist / Principal Investigator
$108K - $227K *
Join a team dedicated to pioneering AI solutions as you lead applied research initiatives and translate advanced concepts into impactful outcomes for national security. Shape technical strategies and...
Reposted 1 week ago
Nirrin - Senior Field Application Scientist
$110K - $140K *
Join the charge in driving customer success as a Senior Field Application Scientist. Lead evaluations, demonstrations, and installations while crafting essential materials and workflows to showcase ou...
2 weeks ago
Computational Geological Project Scientist
$106K - $123K *
Advance the safety and design of geological repositories by conducting advanced numerical modeling and analysis of thermal, hydrological, and mechanical processes in support of high-level radioactive...
2 weeks ago
Senior Program Manager, AI Programs
$114K - $165K *
Transform AI initiatives by establishing a scalable operating model that integrates cross-functional teams, enhances stakeholder collaboration, and drives transparency in roadmaps and reporting for a...
3 days ago
Senior Program Manager, AI Programs
$114K - $165K *
Drive the establishment of a scalable AI program operating model, coordinating cross-functional teams and stakeholders to enhance collaboration, transparency, and delivery across AI initiatives, ensur...
3 days ago
Scientist I - ML/AI algorithms for Multimodal Foundational Models for Gene Regulation
$86K - $106K *
Advance your career by developing cutting-edge ML algorithms to model disease progression using multimodal data. Collaborate in a dynamic environment to enhance understanding of Alzheimer's pathology...
Today
$103K - $180K *
Develop detailed analyses and computational models to assess radiation environments affecting naval weapon systems and personnel safety. Collaborate across teams, integrating scientific modeling with...
4 weeks ago
$103K - $180K *
Shape the future of defense technology as you conduct advanced radiation studies and modeling. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance Navy weapon systems through rigorous analysis, testing, and...
1 month ago
$110K - $190K *
Transform the future of remote sensing by leading research and algorithm development. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance EO/IR systems, applying advanced analytics to support critical...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion analytical development to drive the design, filing, and launch of pharmaceutical products, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing laboratory efficiency through innovative...
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.