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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$96K - $166K *

Optimize data center operations by ensuring peak efficiency of electrical, mechanical, and safety systems. Collaborate with teams to maintain critical infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and implemen...

1 week ago

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

$174K - $252K *

Join a team that pioneers advanced AI research, leveraging your expertise to enhance multimodal models, oversee experimental processes, and collaborate on innovative solutions that drive product devel...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to design and optimize advanced molecular and cellular studies, providing scientific leadership in laboratory operations and contributing to impactful research and publications in...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Reimagine enterprise security by harnessing AI technology. Collaborate with teams to architect cutting-edge security solutions, drive onboarding processes, and analyze threat data, ensuring client suc...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Innovate by leveraging your technical expertise to drive AI security solutions, effectively collaborating with enterprise teams. Support clients in seamless API integration while delivering compelling...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$72K - $96K *

Elevate research capabilities by developing next-gen sequencing technologies and diagnostic assays. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product development from concept to commercializati...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Drive the development of cutting-edge evaluations for frontier AI systems, leading rigorous experiments and collaborating with experts across domains to publish impactful research and benchmarks in he...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Take ownership of complex multi-site research projects, coordinating teams and resources to ensure timely execution. Lead project planning, budget management, and oversee staff performance while drivi...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$140K - $162K *

Join an interdisciplinary team to analyze and innovate polymer materials across diverse industries, driving technical solutions and business development while collaborating with experts in engineering...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$91K - $151K *

Shape the future of public health by leading the development of a statewide vaccine management and clinical case management system, ensuring seamless integration and support for local health departmen...

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1 week ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Explore a senior leadership role driving innovative solutions for national security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technical strategies, influence key decisions, and shape transform...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $123K *

Elevate the future of vaccine development by leading formulation optimization and process understanding for innovative mRNA-LNP products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive scientific...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Transform mission-critical environments by leading the design and deployment of advanced AI platforms. Drive team success through innovative solutions, customer engagement, and operational excellence...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining AI solutions for mission-critical government environments. Lead the design and deployment of innovative platforms while building a high-performing engineering team to del...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $190K *

Join a team that's redefining AI solutions for mission-critical government environments. Lead the design and deployment of innovative platforms while building a high-performing engineering team to del...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$222K - $242K *

Lead the charge in acquiring and securing clinical datasets to enhance the Ceribell EEG platform. Collaborate with researchers and hospitals to drive data integration, ensuring high-quality data for a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$195K - $277K *

Lead the design and execution of clinical oncology studies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and scientific integrity. Drive project progress and contribute to regulatory...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $277K *

Drive innovative clinical oncology studies by designing protocols, collaborating with teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Leverage expertise to analyze data, support publications, and mai...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$153K - $284K *

Take ownership of secure communications system architectures, leading teams to develop and certify cryptographic products. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure compliance with NSA standards while...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$153K - $284K *

Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineering Lead, driving innovative solutions in Electronic Warfare. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and lead complex projects...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing materials analysis through hands-on TEM operation. You'll collaborate with experts, utilize cutting-edge technology, and deliver impactful insights that drive...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$155K - $180K *

Discover innovative solutions as you manage and integrate Big Data/Cloud technologies in a dynamic, agile team. Collaborate with engineers to transform data for critical applications, ensuring excelle...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $190K *

Unlock potential by designing innovative data solutions that transform multi-INT data into actionable insights. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance national security operations through advanced a...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $190K *

Unlock potential by architecting innovative data solutions that transform multi-INT data into actionable insights. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance national security operations through advance...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $179K *

Elevate your career by developing cutting-edge iPSC-derived cellular and disease models. Collaborate in an innovative research team to enhance drug discovery through advanced high-content imaging and...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 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.