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.
Director of Product Management
$160K - $200K *
Empower product innovation by leading strategy and execution for B2B SaaS solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify customer needs, drive product-market fit, and scale offerings t...
2 weeks ago
Advisor - Biophysical/Analytical Scientist, Molecular Insights
$129K - $211K *
Unlock your potential as a Biophysical/Analytical Scientist, driving innovative biotherapeutic development through expert characterization and collaboration across diverse modalities in a dynamic rese...
4 days ago
Vice President of Business & Corporate Development
$300K - $400K *
Transform the future of biology by leading strategic partnerships and business development efforts. Drive innovation, shape commercial strategies, and build relationships that turn technology into imp...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager, IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science
$95K - $239K *
Transform the landscape of funded research projects by leading teams, managing client relationships, and delivering impactful solutions in the life sciences sector. Drive project success while identif...
Yesterday
$210K - $250K *
Join a team that's redefining the engineering landscape by leading a high-caliber organization focused on ML and product engineering. Drive strategic execution and build processes that enhance quality...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Lead Quantum Algorithms Scientist - US
$150K - $210K *
Lead the charge in advancing quantum algorithms research, guiding a team of scientists to innovate in quantum computing applications while driving collaboration and aligning with strategic goals...
4 weeks ago
Senior Research Associate - Technology Development
$104K - $110K *
Join a team that's advancing the future of gene editing through innovative assay development and data-driven solutions. Collaborate with experts to optimize workflows and drive impactful research at t...
4 weeks ago
Staff Scientist - Method Lead (Small Molecule)
$95K - $115K *
Champion complex analytical programs, providing technical leadership and mentorship while ensuring compliance and rigorous scientific standards. Engage actively in laboratory execution and problem-sol...
Reposted 2 days ago
Director of Software Engineering, Analytics
$180K - $225K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team focused on transforming satellite imagery into actionable insights. Drive innovation in analytics for defense and commercial applications whil...
1 week ago
Director of Software Engineering, Analytics
$180K - $225K *
Lead the charge in building and scaling a high-performing engineering team focused on advanced analytics from satellite imagery, driving innovation in both classified and unclassified environments whi...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform environmental planning by leading paleontological compliance efforts across major energy projects. Provide strategic guidance, mentor teams, and ensure high-quality deliverables while naviga...
3 days ago
Project Manager, IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science
$95K - $239K *
Drive impactful research projects in life sciences, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify business opportunities and enhance public heal...
Yesterday
Project Manager, IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science
$95K - $239K *
Transform your career by leading complex research projects in life sciences. Drive client satisfaction and identify new business opportunities while collaborating with global teams to deliver impactfu...
Yesterday
Project Manager, IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science
$95K - $239K *
Join us in leading impactful research projects in life sciences. As a Project Manager, you'll oversee complex initiatives, enhance client relationships, and drive innovative solutions that contribute...
Yesterday
R&D Manager, Systems Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Elevate systems engineering practices by leading a multidisciplinary team to drive new product development and modernization initiatives, ensuring technical excellence and cross-functional collaborati...
3 days ago
R&D Manager, Systems Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovation by leading a multidisciplinary team in systems engineering, driving product development and integration while enhancing engineering practices across complex instrumentation project...
3 days ago
$120K - $140K *
Transform the future of financial operations by serving as a strategic right hand to the CAO, leading budgeting and risk management for a fast-growing multi-entity company. Drive initiatives that enha...
3 weeks ago
Principal Applied AI Scientist
$175K - $210K *
Drive the design and deployment of advanced Generative AI systems, leading teams to create robust, production-grade applications that address real-world challenges while shaping the technical vision f...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation by employing advanced ML, DL, and NLP techniques to detect and prevent fraud. Collaborate across teams to analyze data patterns, develop predictive models, and enhance fraud protectio...
2 days ago
Principal Technical Director, National Security
$225K - $300K *
Elevate your career by leading the technical vision for innovative national security programs, driving R&D initiatives, and building multidisciplinary teams to ensure cutting-edge technology meets mis...
3 weeks ago
Principal Technical Director, National Security
$225K - $300K *
Empower national security by leading cutting-edge R&D programs in space technology. Drive innovation across multi-disciplinary teams to deliver mission-critical capabilities for government clients, en...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry
$197K - $230K *
Optimize synthetic processes for small-molecule manufacturing while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Utilize advanced organic chemistry expertise to enhance efficiency and scalability in a l...
Reposted 1 month ago
$168K - $197K *
Lead the charge in antibody screening and functional characterization, driving innovative research in oncology and immunology. Collaborate cross-functionally to advance new antibody candidates through...
1 week ago
Data Scientist, Mobile App Performance
$225K - $250K *
Join a team that's redefining mobile app performance through data science. Lead the development of predictive models and insights that drive product decisions and enhance system health in a high-impac...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Transform customer success and support by leading a dynamic team to enhance retention and expansion strategies. Collaborate with executives to build infrastructure and drive growth for 2,100+ accounts...
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.