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.
$160K - $261K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Applied Scientist, driving innovation in AI model adaptation and deployment. Collaborate on scalable systems and cutting-edge techniques to enhance enterprise-specifi...
Today
$119K - $234K *
Unlock your potential by driving innovation in AI model adaptation and deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable solutions that enhance enterprise capabilities while ensu...
Today
$119K - $234K *
Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of AI by developing scalable solutions for adapting foundation models to enterprise needs, focusing on innovative post-training techniques and robust infrastr...
Today
$200K - $320K *
Join a pioneering team of experts to develop innovative machine learning solutions that drive our AI capabilities, shape the research agenda, and transform real-world challenges into impactful outcome...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$180K - $250K *
Innovate the future of quantum technology by developing cutting-edge neutral atom quantum processors. Collaborate with engineers and scientists to drive experimental design and validate performance me...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate product development by executing quality improvement initiatives and innovating beverage formulations. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize processes, leveraging scientific methods and t...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, Lentiviral Vector Cell Line Development
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing cell line development for lentiviral vector therapeutics. Lead innovative scientific efforts while mentoring colleagues and driving strategic projects in a fa...
1 month ago
Senior Scientist, Machine Learning
$257K - $330K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge generative AI models that integrate biological data, enhancing research insights and advancing our mission to restore cell health and resilience. Collaborate...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Operations Research Scientist
$130K - $160K *
Transform complex operational challenges into efficient optimization solutions. Engage with U.S. government programs to enhance AI-driven systems, ensuring seamless bandwidth allocation and superior p...
3 weeks ago
Special Projects Lead, Sciences
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by developing scientific programs and managing partnerships. Drive operational performance, launch initiatives, and coordinate resources to achieve commercial and scientific goals whi...
2 weeks ago
Technical Program Manager, Science Strategy & Communications
$365K - $435K *
Lead the charge in bridging research and the scientific community, driving impactful programs that enhance AI capabilities for researchers. Collaborate with diverse teams to shape strategies and foste...
6 days ago
Technical Program Manager, Science Strategy & Communications
$365K - $435K *
Join a dynamic team to bridge researchers and AI capabilities, driving impactful science programs and shaping external engagement strategies. Leverage your research expertise to enhance collaboration...
6 days ago
Co-founder & CEO, AI for predictable drug discovery and development
$200K - $250K *
Join a pioneering initiative to revolutionize drug discovery, leading the charge as a Co-founder & CEO. Drive strategic partnerships, oversee fundraising, and build a robust commercial engine while fo...
Reposted yesterday
Principal Senior Advisor for Intelligence and Exquisite Technologies
$150K - $180K *
Engage as a principal advisor on national security intelligence and exquisite technologies, guiding strategic initiatives and fostering collaboration across agencies to enhance homeland security capab...
1 week ago
Principal Applied Scientist, Foundation AI Assets (FAI)
$198K - $269K *
Shape the future of generative AI by leading innovative research and development efforts. Collaborate with top scientists to create scalable solutions that enhance customer experiences and drive impac...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer the Program Management Office, driving strategic alignment and efficiency across projects. Lead and mentor a dynamic team, implement best practices, and enhance organizational processes to ach...
2 weeks ago
$250K - $300K *
Join us in shaping company strategy and financial planning as you partner with leadership to drive growth, operational excellence, and set the foundation for a future-ready organization at scale...
Reposted today
Co-founder & CTO, AI for predictable drug discovery and development
$200K - $250K *
Join a team that's redefining drug development through AI. As a technical co-founder, you'll lead platform development, establish predictive research, and build a technical team, driving innovation in...
Reposted today
$110K - $148K *
Pioneer innovative research in inorganic particle engineering, focusing on surface functionalization and material performance. Collaborate across disciplines to develop advanced materials and translat...
1 week ago
$150K - $225K *
Collaborate with the CEO to drive strategic initiatives, enhance decision-making, and improve operational efficiency. Lead cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment with company priorities and fos...
Today
Scientist II/Senior Characterization Scientist, Condensed Matter
$128K - $198K *
Join a team that drives the future of superconductivity by developing and implementing advanced characterization workflows. Collaborate with experts in materials science and AI to accelerate high-thro...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Scientist | Biology & Translational Sciences
$130K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic team focused on advancing immunology research. Contribute to innovative discovery programs that bridge target degradation with impactful immunological outcom...
4 days ago
Senior Scientist | Biology & Translational Sciences
$130K - $145K *
Unlock potential in immunology by advancing discovery programs through innovative assay development and in vivo pharmacology, driving impactful data generation for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases...
4 days ago
Associate Laboratory Director, Innovation, Science, and Security Directorate
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in advancing innovative science and technology programs, ensuring operational excellence and strategic growth within a diverse portfolio, while fostering partnerships and enhancing nat...
2 weeks ago
Applied Scientist, Labs, SCOT Forecasting and Labs
$142K - $193K *
Shape the future of supply chain experimentation by designing and implementing large-scale studies, building analytical tools, and advancing causal inference methodologies to drive impactful business...
1 week 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.