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.
Senior Scientist / Engineer: Synthetic Biology & Bioengineering
$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
Scientist I, Technology Development
$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
Research Engineer / Scientist, Alignment
$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
Senior Scientist, Ensemble-Function Mapping
$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
$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
$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
$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
Scientist III - Flow Cytometry Services
$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
Manager, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs
$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
Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering
$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...
3 weeks ago
Principal Experimental Scientist
$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 4 weeks ago
Staff Research Engineer, Multi-Agent Scaling
$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
Staff Research Engineer, Multi-Agent Scaling
$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
Staff Research Engineer, Multi-Agent Scaling
$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
Senior Officer, Life Sciences, Strategic Investment Fund (SIF)
$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...
4 weeks ago
Scientist III Proteome Editor Design / AI BioDesign
$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
$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
Senior Executive Assistant, Technology & National Security
$135K - $155K *
Support the CTO by managing complex schedules, orchestrating travel, and ensuring seamless operations. Collaborate closely with leadership to prioritize tasks and enhance productivity in a fast-paced...
Today
Principal Scientist, Biologics
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of oncology by leading biologics process development and manufacturing. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and quality in clinical-stage products, while mentoring scientist...
1 week ago
$250K - $350K *
Build robust evaluation strategies and data pipelines, collaborating with scientists to enhance AI model training through rigorous scientific workflows and external datasets. Shape the future of AI by...
4 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Continuous Manufacturing
$120K - $150K *
Explore a pivotal role in continuous manufacturing, driving innovative process engineering for drug substance development. Collaborate across teams to enhance product quality and efficiency while ensu...
Reposted yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of youth mental health research by leading analytical efforts to innovate data accessibility and deepen insights. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to trans...
4 weeks ago
Staff Scientist COE, Metablomics & Lipidomics
$150K - $220K *
Drive innovation in analytical workflows by delivering advanced omics demonstrations, developing reproducible methods, and providing scientific leadership to global teams, ensuring impactful customer...
Today
Senior Director - Artificial Intelligence/Super Intelligence
$260K - $290K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI across the enterprise, driving strategy, governance, and adoption. Your expertise will empower missions and enhance national security through innovative AI...
2 days ago
Scientist, LNP Discovery Biology
$81K - $122K *
Join a dynamic team to advance LNP biology through in vitro and ex vivo assays, supporting targeted delivery programs and in vivo studies, while collaborating on data analysis and protocol development...
Yesterday
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.