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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$85K - $102K *

Transform the future of radio astronomy by leading the development of an innovative data sharing system, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and conducting impactful research to enhance scientifi...

1 week ago

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

$174K - $252K *

Empower innovation by enhancing AI security and privacy capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop tools and frameworks that ensure safe, effective AI solutions while contributin...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$79K - $92K *

Join us in advancing innovative genomics solutions for climate change, agriculture, and health. Collaborate with experts, engage in entrepreneurial development, and contribute to impactful research in...

1 week ago

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

$130K - $209K *

Champion statistical excellence by leading innovative data analysis and monitoring initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product lifecycle activities and regulatory submissions, while...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$285K - $350K *

Lead the strategic and operational quality assurance initiatives across GxP environments, ensuring compliance and fostering a culture of quality and integrity as the organization advances through clin...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $210K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative T-cell engagers for prostate cancer treatment. Oversee a cross-disciplinary team, driving scientific excellence and collaboration to pioneer next-generation th...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $210K *

Help us lead innovative oncology research by developing cutting-edge T-cell engagers and small molecule therapeutics. Drive scientific excellence and collaboration to create impactful cancer treatment...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$124K - $171K *

Champion advanced machine learning techniques to develop multimodal AI systems in biomedical applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance personalized oncology diagnostics and im...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $141K *

Unlock insights by transforming complex media data into actionable solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and scalability through advanced analytics and automation, d...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$167K - $226K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI solutions by tackling complex problems, collaborating with stakeholders, and deploying innovative models that enhance business outcomes and customer experie...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$70K - $110K *

Drive the growth of innovative Multi-omics services by managing product strategy, aligning sales and lab operations, and enhancing client relationships to ensure seamless delivery and continuous impro...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team leading threat intelligence and detection engineering. Shape strategies to protect diverse industries from cyber threats, while building a high-impact program that...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$66K - $94K *

Champion strategic financial insights and guidance across business units, enhancing decision-making and project execution. Leverage advanced financial expertise to drive performance, compliance, and p...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Elevate human performance initiatives for Special Operations Forces by planning, developing, and coordinating HP services. Contribute to impactful research and analytics, ensuring optimal mission read...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Transform scientific workflows by leading cryo-EM data analysis and high-performance computing support. Collaborate with users and researchers to enhance capabilities and drive innovative solutions in...

Today

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

$83K - $116K *

Shape the future of pharmaceutical development by leading analytical projects and supervising a dedicated team. Ensure compliance with industry standards while optimizing processes and methodologies t...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $142K *

Join our team to lead innovative research initiatives, driving scientific advancements and collaborating across disciplines. This role requires strategic thinking and expertise to tackle complex chall...

2 weeks ago

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

$140K - $170K *

Innovate and lead the development of advanced microarray patch manufacturing processes. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance throughput and quality, while mentoring a talented team in a dynamic...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$108K - $130K *

Empower your career by transforming data into actionable insights. Collaborate with diverse teams to develop predictive models and automate data processes, contributing to the modernization of critica...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of advanced ML systems, driving technical vision, and integrating AI solutions across the organization to enhance operational efficiency and deliver impactf...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advancing military communications systems through innovative research and program management, ensuring alignment with operational needs and strategic objectives across multiple conc...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $170K *

Transform drug development by providing expert in vivo study support and animal care. Collaborate with veterinarians to execute pharmacokinetic studies, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and r...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Unlock your potential as a computational scientist, driving innovation in semiconductor manufacturing through advanced simulations and machine learning. Collaborate with a dynamic team to model and va...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $197K *

Join a team that's redefining scientific innovation by managing the product vision and roadmap for cutting-edge Chemistry AI systems. Collaborate across disciplines to translate complex needs into act...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Drive the development of advanced data solutions, transforming complex data into actionable insights while overseeing machine learning workflows and analytical platforms in a multidisciplinary environ...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

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.