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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$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

$300K *

Lead the charge in shaping integrated care models as a senior physician strategist. Oversee administrative functions for medical directors, ensuring quality, compliance, and the execution of a holisti...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $175K *

Unlock potential by leading complex engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while collaborating with diverse teams to mitigate risks and maintain stakeholder relationships...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $105K *

Shape impactful insights through analytics, driving data-informed decisions for healthcare clients. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance marketing performance and audience understanding...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team driving genomic research and clinical integration. Lead bioinformatic analyses, develop pipelines, and collaborate on innovative projects to advance pediatric care...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Transform client services by providing expert consultancy and technical governance in laboratory settings. Collaborate with regional stakeholders to enhance operational testing and drive value through...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$150K - $180K *

Optimize laboratory services across acute care and ambulatory settings, providing strategic leadership to enhance clinical quality and operational excellence. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive p...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$168K - $272K *

Champion deep-tech and life-sciences partnerships by building trust with top investors, enabling long-term relationships that power scientific innovation and align with our mission. Drive strategic en...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$105K - $125K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of marine geoscience. Lead diverse projects, manage field teams, and drive data collection and analysis efforts to support coastal restoration and offshore infras...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $155K *

Drive product growth through data analysis and experimentation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user adoption and engagement. Utilize statistical methods to illuminate user journe...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $195K *

Drive impactful data science initiatives by building and operating ML systems. Manage end-to-end processes from modeling to evaluation, while mentoring a lean team and collaborating across departments...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$200K - $400K *

Join a team that's advancing AI safety by building reliable, controllable models for conversational agents. Collaborate across functions to transform safety challenges into scalable, production-ready...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $400K *

Drive innovation in AI safety by building robust safeguards for conversational agents. Collaborate across teams to enhance model reliability and mitigate real-world risks, creating impactful solutions...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Elevate New York's innovation landscape by supporting strategic initiatives in Quantum and AI. Collaborate with industry, academia, and government to enhance R&D ecosystems and drive impactful partner...

Reposted 3 days ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Drive innovation by supporting the Executive Director in enhancing NY's Quantum and AI ecosystems. Oversee strategic initiatives, foster partnerships, and identify funding opportunities to strengthen...

2 weeks ago

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

$175K - $215K *

Develop cutting-edge quantum devices for navigation and communications. Engage in all development stages, from prototyping to deployment, while collaborating with a diverse team to tackle complex chal...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$180K - $210K *

Shape the future of pharmaceutical engineering excellence by leading a dynamic team in optimizing manufacturing processes, driving capital projects, and implementing innovative technologies to enhance...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $140K *

Lead the charge in overseeing laboratory operations and quality control, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with standards for materials testing in remote environments across the Northwest Terri...

Yellowknife, NTIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Engage with policymakers to shape Solcoa's federal strategy in critical minerals, build vital relationships, pursue government financing, and translate policy landscape into commercial success across...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Drive transformative government relations strategies to advance critical minerals initiatives, fostering key alliances across federal and state levels while navigating complex policy landscapes to sec...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

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.