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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$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$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...

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2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$125K - $150K *

Oversee complex project management and operational tracking for IND-enabling nonclinical programs, ensuring timely delivery and regulatory readiness through cross-functional collaboration and effectiv...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $193K *

Unlock potential by solving complex problems with deep scientific insight. Design and deliver innovative security solutions that create long-term impacts while providing cross-organizational technical...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$140K - $180K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring operational continuity across diverse environments. As a Senior Policy Analyst, you'll lead facility operations, coordinate emergency responses, and support mi...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$205K - $256K *

Lead the charge in building a top-tier Bioinformatics function, architect scalable AWS infrastructure, and drive genomic algorithm development to enhance clinical product pipelines within a collaborat...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$174K - $252K *

Engineer innovative safeguards in AI to prevent catastrophic harm. Collaborate with scientists to conduct applied research, develop production code, and ensure safety measures are effective for billio...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.