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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$350K - $500K *

Unlock potential by implementing and optimizing advanced post-training techniques for AI models, driving improvements in quality and safety while collaborating across teams to enhance production capab...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$142K - $193K *

Empower innovation in machine learning to enhance Prime Video's search and discovery experience, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions that benefit...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$228K *

Join a dynamic team to lead clinical trials, develop strategies, and ensure high-quality deliverables in oncology drug development while collaborating with cross-functional teams and mentoring junior...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$84K - $109K *

Drive project success by managing the Pharmacy, DPDM, and Provider Enrollment portfolio, ensuring compliance with Medicaid regulations while leading cross-functional teams to deliver initiatives on ti...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$84K - $109K *

Lead project management initiatives in the Claims & Financial portfolio, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with Medicaid regulations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve pr...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$400K - $500K *

Innovate and drive the development of an AI-driven software platform that transforms scientific workflows. Lead cross-functional teams to build impactful solutions and enhance user accessibility in a...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $179K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Scientist, driving biologics characterization through advanced mass spectrometry methods. Collaborate on assay development and deliver high-quality data to support deci...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer impactful solutions as a Program Manager, leading acquisition and advisory services for cutting-edge defense programs. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure project success and strat...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$350K - $500K *

Join a dynamic Post-Training team to implement and enhance cutting-edge techniques that improve model quality, safety, and performance of AI systems, directly impacting user experiences in production...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Engage as a senior technical consultant, driving AI and emerging tech strategies for federal and DoD clients. Collaborate with business development to shape solutions, lead discovery sessions, and ens...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Drive excellence in metallurgical processes by leading a skilled team, ensuring safety compliance, and optimizing plant performance through innovative strategies and continuous improvement initiatives...

Vanderhoof, BCIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$251K - $366K *

Grow your career with a leadership role overseeing psychiatric and medical services. Collaborate with teams to enhance quality improvement, manage budgets, and promote staff development while ensuring...

Today

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

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by managing biospecimen procurement and operations, ensuring a reliable supply of human tissue and cells for research. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance sourcing capabilities...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $220K *

Innovate advanced machine learning solutions with an emphasis on real-world applications. Collaborate within a skilled team to design and implement state-of-the-art algorithms, tackling cybersecurity...

Reposted 6 days ago

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

$87K - $108K *

Unlock your potential in developmental morphogenesis, driving innovative research in cell behavior and tissue dynamics. Collaborate with experts and utilize cutting-edge technology to advance scientif...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$103K - $115K *

Transform laboratory operations by leveraging your expertise in systems support, collaboration across teams, and innovative problem-solving to enhance our molecular diagnostics capabilities and ensure...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$207K - $300K *

Transform the future of economic research by applying advanced methodologies to analyze AI's impact on productivity and labor markets. Drive innovative solutions while collaborating with diverse teams...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in ensuring product safety through expert toxicology evaluations, collaborating across teams to support innovation and compliance. Drive impactful research and engage with external par...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$185K - $225K *

Join a team that empowers financial wellness by developing and optimizing machine learning models. You’ll lead projects on credit risk, fraud detection, and transaction timing, contributing to impactf...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$74K - $112K *

Elevate your scientific career by innovating laboratory techniques in sequencing library preparation, conducting experiments, and collaborating with product development teams to deliver high-quality r...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join us to leverage your technical expertise in materials testing and analysis. You'll execute complex workflows, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with engineers to enhance processes and ensure hi...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$193K - $250K *

The Senior Data Scientist - Forward Deployed Engineer will work directly with clients to build and deploy AI-powered solutions, managing projects from scoping to deployment. This hybrid role combines...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Serve as a strategic partner to the Practice Leader in AI & DT&A, driving initiatives, managing operations, and ensuring effective go-to-market execution while fostering high-performance team collabor...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Drive strategic initiatives as Chief of Staff, enabling the AI & DT&A Practice Leader to excel while ensuring operational consistency and organizational clarity in a fast-paced, innovation-focused env...

Mclean, VARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$108K - $170K *

Champion the design and fabrication of prototype devices to assess novel materials. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop processes that drive innovative material discovery with high ef...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 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.