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.
Scientist IV, Pharmaceutical 3DP and Custom Formulation
$86K - $117K *
Elevate pharmaceutical innovation by leading hands-on research in 3D printing and formulation development. Collaborate across teams to enhance global access to quality medicines through cutting-edge c...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the technical direction of Geosciences, shaping sustainable decisions and building a multidisciplinary team to support growth and operational excellence across surface and underground mining oper...
Today
Machine Learning Scientist I / II, Protein Design
$176K - $304K *
Transform drug discovery as a machine learning scientist, designing advanced molecular solutions in collaboration with domain experts and AI teams to enhance biologics programs and establish robust ev...
Reposted 6 days ago
Scientist II, Silicon Photonics
$128K - $170K *
Drive innovative measurement and analysis for electro-optic materials and devices, enhancing data quality across full characterization from thin films to final device testing, while collaborating with...
Reposted 1 week ago
$86K - $129K *
Transform data into actionable insights by developing advanced analytics solutions that detect sales anomalies and enhance merchant performance through machine learning and statistical modeling. Drive...
3 days ago
$179K - $255K *
Drive innovation in eyecare by leading advanced research initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop solutions for unmet needs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and ind...
1 week ago
Executive Vice President, Co-Director of Allen Institute's Neural Dynamics Accelerator
$349K - $500K+*
Champion groundbreaking neuroscience by leading a visionary team to advance understanding of brain dynamics, fostering collaboration and innovation while managing operations and strategic initiatives...
Today
$86K - $129K *
Join our team to drive advanced analytics solutions that uncover sales insights, detect anomalies, and provide actionable recommendations, enhancing merchant performance and customer engagement throug...
3 days ago
$190K - $220K *
Join a team that's driving innovative therapies in neuroscience. Lead the strategic scientific narrative for key development programs while collaborating across functions to enhance clarity and impact...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Empower your career by developing impactful data solutions that enhance patient experiences and drive business outcomes in a collaborative, innovative environment focused on data science and advanced...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Clinical AI Evaluation Lead
$160K - $200K *
Champion the evaluation strategy for Health GenAI, driving clinical and technical excellence. Collaborate across teams to establish benchmarks, ensure safety, and influence product development, ultima...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate clinical research by assisting with study design, medical monitoring, and compliance to ensure effective execution of clinical trials and contribute positively to patient outcomes in alignment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction
$150K - $225K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative quantum error correction research. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop algorithms and workflows that enhance quantum technologies, translating sci...
2 weeks ago
$190K - $275K *
Engineer cutting-edge ML capabilities to transform workflows. Collaborate with product and engineering teams to drive impact across the ML lifecycle, from problem formulation to deployment, and share...
4 weeks ago
$160K - $190K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing enterprise AI architecture strategy, ensuring scalable, ethical AI integration across platforms. Drive innovation through Generative and Agentic AI, aligning...
2 days ago
Communications Manager, The Anthropic Institute
$265K - $295K *
Unlock impactful narratives by driving communications for cutting-edge AI research. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate complex findings into accessible insights, engaging policymakers and the...
Today
Communications Manager, The Anthropic Institute
$265K - $295K *
Innovate the future of AI communications by translating complex research into impactful narratives. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance public understanding of AI's economic and societal implica...
Today
Optical Characterization Scientist (Ph.D.)
$140K - $162K *
Join a dynamic team to solve complex industry challenges using your expertise in physics and materials. Lead innovative projects requiring analytical skills, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary te...
4 weeks ago
Program Manager (Department of Justice)
$150K - $200K *
Champion impactful solutions by leading a full-service PMO for federal projects, ensuring governance, delivery excellence, and stakeholder engagement across strategic initiatives within the Department...
Yesterday
Director of US Government Engagement
$210K - $260K *
Shape impactful government engagement strategies to advance quantum technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to secure funding and partnerships, while building bipartisan relationships th...
1 week ago
Director of US Government Engagement
$210K - $260K *
Advance your career by leading US government engagement initiatives, shaping policy and funding strategies, and building bipartisan relationships to enhance quantum technology adoption and support nat...
1 week ago
$200K - $250K *
Drive the development of security and risk management frameworks, leading compliance initiatives and security operations. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure a robust, proactive security culture...
1 month ago
$200K - $250K *
Advance our information security and enterprise risk management functions as you build and own foundational programs. Collaborate across departments to ensure compliance and a proactive security postu...
1 month ago
Applied Scientist / Research Engineer - Data Quality & Evaluation
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance AI model performance through innovative data curation, evaluation frameworks, and automated tools. Collaborate across disciplines to translate research insights into pra...
1 week ago
Sr. Scientist I/II - Computational Biology
$115K - $201K *
Elevate your career by integrating multi-omic data to drive clinical insights. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable solutions in a dynamic environment, leveraging your expertise...
2 weeks 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.