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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$110K - $130K *

Explore a pivotal role in data science, leading analytical initiatives and enhancing enterprise capabilities. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver insights and drive organizational success through...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$161K - $209K *

Advance analytics initiatives by developing machine learning models and experiments to enhance pro acquisition, activation, and retention, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize s...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Transform drug discovery by leading small molecule programs from hit identification to IND-enabling studies. Collaborate across disciplines, leveraging deep medicinal chemistry expertise and innovativ...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Drive innovative AI research and prototyping initiatives, focusing on advanced algorithms and frameworks for defense applications. Collaborate on predictive analytics and autonomous systems to enhance...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $250K *

Innovate and shape the future of Enterprise Intelligence by driving product strategy and execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform AI insights into actionable workflows, enhancin...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $256K *

Lead the charge in delivering advanced quantitative solutions across product lifecycles, collaborating with cross-functional teams to shape scientific strategy and drive impactful decision-making in a...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$161K - $265K *

Champion the execution of advanced technology programs, overseeing all phases from inception to completion. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and ensure successful delivery of strategic ini...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$446K - $500K+*

Lead the global intellectual property strategy, driving innovation protection and strategic execution in a dynamic environment. Collaborate across teams to ensure effective IP management and elevate o...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$485K - $500K+*

Elevate your career by leading global IP strategies that protect innovative therapeutics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive strategic execution, and foster a culture of creativity and int...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$78K - $156K *

Drive innovative research in neuromodulation, integrating neuroscience and AI to advance therapies. Collaborate across teams to design studies, analyze data, and uncover biomarkers for personalized tr...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$105K - $120K *

Lead the charge in advancing human performance analysis across diverse scenarios, including consumer products and accident investigations. Collaborate on multi-disciplinary projects, manage data, and...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$105K - $120K *

Contribute to advancing safety-critical research by applying expertise in human cognition, decision-making, and performance. Manage multidisciplinary projects and effectively communicate complex analy...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$123K - $197K *

Transform the landscape of AI by architecting and optimizing cutting-edge LLMs while collaborating with diverse tech teams to innovate and enhance applications for performance and accuracy in resource...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$91K - $152K *

Empower your career by conducting innovative research on advanced chemical materials and processes for energy storage solutions, focusing on high-performance materials and electrochemical systems to d...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Lead the planning and execution of non-clinical studies. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), while producing reliable scientific outcomes and interfacing w...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $160K *

Drive customer success by providing expert technical support and training for the xPloration platform. Collaborate with sales and science teams to enhance workflows and ensure seamless adoption in bio...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$290K - $365K *

Champion the expansion of life sciences verification programs, coordinating cross-functional teams to enhance access while ensuring safety. Drive clarity and efficiency in processes, transforming comp...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$290K - $365K *

Join a team that's expanding access to life sciences capabilities through innovative program management. Drive cross-organizational efforts, streamline processes, and enhance user experience while ens...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $155K *

Elevate biomedicine coverage by guiding reporters and shaping stories. Collaborate with multimedia teams and supervise staff to engage a diverse readership through innovative storytelling and effectiv...

3 days ago

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

$153K - $190K *

Join a team that's empowering the U.S. Air Force's Big Safari mission by providing expert mission engineering support for advanced Electromagnetic Battle Management systems and enhancing cross-platfor...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Champion quality compliance initiatives and drive operational excellence by enhancing inspection readiness, regulatory strategy, and risk management programs. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure dat...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $185K *

Lead the charge in analytical research and development to drive innovation for therapeutic solutions in oncology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring timely and efficient project deliver...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive modernization efforts by managing enterprise systems and infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to ensure high availability, performance, and security while delivering innovative solutions and t...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$67K - $112K *

Champion advanced analytics solutions by developing predictive models and leading engagements to drive business value for financial institutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate insights in...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $190K *

Join a leading tech firm to drive AI compute infrastructure innovations. As a Principal Technologist, you'll engage with industry leaders, lead complex pre-sales solutions, and mentor teams to deliver...

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.