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.
$200K - $400K *
Contribute to clinical trial success by providing medical oversight, ensuring participant safety, and training staff. Leverage your expertise in GCP and protocol compliance to enhance research quality...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform research strategy by managing complex initiatives, enhancing communication, and driving alignment across multiple stakeholders. Collaborate with leadership to execute priorities and promote...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower finance leadership with data-driven insights by building models, pipelines, and visualizations. Collaborate across systems to ensure data accuracy and support strategic decision-making in a dy...
3 weeks ago
Senior Project and Portfolio Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in establishing a robust project management portfolio, optimizing planning and execution processes at the Space Weather Prediction Center. Drive continuous improvement and support lead...
Today
Senior Manager, Clinical Scientist, Genetics Medicine
$150K - $245K *
Drive your career forward by leading clinical strategy and execution in genetics medicine. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate genetic insights into innovative treatments, making a me...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Clinical Scientist, Genetics Medicine
$150K - $245K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in clinical genetics medicine, contributing to early clinical development and translating genetic insights into new treatments. Collaborate with cross-functional...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Clinical Scientist, Genetics Medicine
$150K - $245K *
Drive your career with a pivotal role in clinical strategy and execution, collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate genetic insights into innovative treatments, while ensuring compliance...
1 week ago
Principal Applied Scientist- Agentic RL , Kiro
$228K - $309K *
Lead innovation in AI by revolutionizing coding assistance tools through cutting-edge reinforcement learning, empowering millions of developers globally with efficient workflows and breakthrough solut...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Machine Learning
$160K - $190K *
Advance AI research by designing and executing innovative projects in machine learning, optimization, and generative modeling. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate findings into scalab...
4 days ago
Research Scientist, Machine Learning
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by conducting groundbreaking AI research to enhance ads technology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate innovative findings into scalable solutions, driving impactful...
4 days ago
Chief Data Scientist/Data Analyst
$170K - $190K *
Unlock your potential by leading data-driven initiatives that empower government clients to tackle complex challenges. Collaborate with a skilled team to develop innovative solutions in a dynamic envi...
Today
Agentic AI Scientist - Office of Data Science
$86K - $154K *
Contribute to groundbreaking AI research by leading the design and development of agentic AI systems that enhance research workflows, ensuring secure and effective integration of advanced technologies...
2 weeks ago
$285K - $380K *
Elevate marketing effectiveness through data-driven insights and analytics. Partner with cross-functional teams to define core metrics, analyze customer retention, and develop a culture of experimenta...
Reposted 3 days ago
Project Scientist/Research Scientist 2026-2027AY
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on advancing risk sciences through innovative research and collaboration. Contribute to impactful projects while mentoring students and shaping the f...
1 week ago
$200K - $220K *
Grow your career with a principal-level data scientist role, owning the end-to-end data function. Drive measurement strategies, experimentation, and analytics to enhance product impact and customer su...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in building a robust project management system to enhance cross-functional collaboration and accelerate product development. Drive strategic projects from inception to launch while ens...
2 weeks ago
$204K - $306K *
Lead the charge in integrating AI with scientific workflows, mentoring engineers, and delivering innovative applications that enhance research collaboration. Drive technical strategy and foster a high...
Reposted 1 week ago
$204K - $306K *
Champion groundbreaking solutions by leading engineers who integrate AI with scientific workflows, driving innovation for life-changing breakthroughs in research while fostering a collaborative enviro...
Reposted 1 week ago
ML Ops Engineer - Agentic AI Lab (Founding Team)
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping intelligent infrastructure through ML Ops. You will automate model training and deployment, manage lifecycle operations, and ensure governance and security for AI applicatio...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$74K - $104K *
Play a key role in environmental assessments and monitoring projects, combining fieldwork and office duties. You'll lead teams and mentor junior biologists while ensuring compliance with regulations...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$203K - $366K *
Lead the charge in optimizing enterprise Time and Pay solutions, driving strategy and innovation within a high-performing software development team to enhance operational efficiency and employee exper...
Today
$203K - $366K *
Innovate and lead a high-performing software development team to deliver scalable enterprise Time and Pay solutions. Collaborate with HR and Finance to drive strategy and enhance operational efficienc...
Today
Sr. Associate Scientist - NA Lab
$80K - $95K *
Unlock your potential by collaborating with cross-functional R&D teams to execute analytical testing and provide scientific insights that drive innovation and product performance in a dynamic laborato...
1 week ago
Quantum Algorithms Scientist - US
$120K - $175K *
Transform the future of quantum computing by developing and executing innovative quantum algorithms on cutting-edge hardware, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical implementation...
4 weeks ago
Supervisor, Laboratory Operations
$81K - $116K *
Unlock your potential as you guide and mentor high-performing teams in a dynamic lab environment. Ensure quality compliance while leading studies in chemistry and biochemistry that support critical re...
3 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.