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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$95K - $115K *

Engage in proactive problem management to enhance IT service delivery, analyze trends, and implement solutions across multidisciplinary teams ensuring optimal service performance in a complex operatio...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$144K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to analyze and interpret dark sector surveys, bridging measurements and theoretical insights in cosmology. Contribute to groundbreaking projects and shape future missions in unders...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $220K *

Unlock potential by solving complex challenges in Homeland Protection through cutting-edge modeling, multidisciplinary collaboration, and innovative technology designs, while making impactful recommen...

Reposted 5 days ago

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

$112K - $160K *

Shape and manage comprehensive environmental programs, ensuring compliance, safety, and sustainability. Lead complex projects while advising on environmental regulations and strategic initiatives to e...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $350K *

Transform the landscape of reinforcement learning by designing evaluations and environments that enhance model training and performance. Collaborate with researchers to identify and address model fail...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in transforming AI-driven drug discovery through integrated workflows, collaborating with both engineering teams and customers to operationalize cutting-edge computational models for l...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Elevate innovation by researching and developing scalable models for web indexing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to apply transformative technologies that enhance user experience and drive i...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Develop and optimize advanced models to enhance web indexing and search capabilities. Collaborate across teams to ensure innovative solutions are implemented, impacting millions of users and advancing...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $220K *

Grow impactful R&D programs by leveraging expertise in synthetic biology. Collaborate with diverse teams to address challenges in health, security, and bioeconomy, guiding innovative projects from con...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $140K *

Innovate and develop multiplex biomarker assays, leveraging expertise in molecular biology and data analysis to translate novel technologies into robust products while maintaining high-quality standar...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$350K - $500K *

Solve complex challenges in AI safety through innovative research and experiments, enhancing the alignment of advanced machine learning systems while collaborating across teams...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $250K *

Lead a computational team to connect protein conformational ensembles with function, driving high-impact research on allosteric coupling and binding specificity while managing and mentoring scientists...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in managing complex environmental projects, ensuring technical accuracy and client satisfaction while developing staff and fostering business growth in a dynamic, safety-focused enviro...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$142K - $193K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing robotics through AI and advanced automation. Shape the future of human-robot collaboration by developing innovative systems that enhance adaptability and efficiency...

2 days ago

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

$142K - $193K *

Pioneer the future of robotics by developing advanced systems that integrate AI and automation. Collaborate with top-tier teams to create adaptable solutions that enhance human-robot interaction and t...

2 days ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Transform bioanalytical research by executing and optimizing flow cytometry studies, developing innovative assay methods, and ensuring data integrity and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional tea...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Champion regulatory strategies for innovative natural products, ensuring compliance and safety across global markets. Engage with authorities and industry leaders to secure approvals and drive scienti...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $181K *

Unlock potential by designing and constructing large protein variant libraries, linking genotype to phenotype. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive innovative platform technology and influence sci...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the design and deployment of plasma diagnostics for fusion generators, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure high data fidelity and operational efficiency. Drive technical innovat...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$500K+*

Join a team that's at the forefront of scaling large agent systems, designing and executing experiments to enhance performance and efficiency. Collaborate across disciplines to build robust platforms...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$500K+*

Innovate in the intersection of research and engineering by designing and executing large-scale experiments on agent teams, enhancing performance, and building robust systems for complex problem-solvi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$500K+*

Unlock potential by designing and executing large-scale experiments on agent teams, enhancing performance and efficiency while building robust systems for reliable operation and insightful evaluations...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$293K - $455K *

Execute high-impact investments and partnerships, advancing global health solutions at the intersection of life sciences and private capital. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to identify opportun...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$128K - $160K *

Join a team that's pioneering the development of advanced proteome editors through cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies, while leading a collaborative, high-performance team to drive sig...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$87K - $198K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing cancer research through innovative experimental design and collaborative leadership, focusing on autoantibody pathobiology and therapeutic development...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.