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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$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

Florida, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Business Services

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Washington, DCRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

New York, NYRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   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.