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

$150K - $190K *

Empower national security through innovative AI architecture solutions, shaping enterprise-scale AI capabilities within the USSS. Lead the establishment of strategic frameworks, ensuring secure, effec...

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$204K - $310K *

Drive the development and delivery of advanced AI model capabilities by collaborating with cross-functional teams to prioritize needs, define requirements, and ensure effective integration of fine-tun...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$204K - $310K *

Champion the evolution of AI capabilities by owning the roadmap for fine-tuned model variants, integrating customer needs with research inputs, and coordinating cross-functional delivery efforts for c...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $145K *

Transform data into actionable insights by leveraging advanced AI/ML techniques. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that enhance customer engagement and optimize d...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $197K *

Elevate your career by designing and deploying cutting-edge AI solutions, engaging with clients to translate business needs into scalable architectures, and leading technical discussions in a dynamic...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $145K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of AI innovation, leveraging advanced machine learning and data science to develop impactful solutions that enhance customer engagement and drive business success a...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading upstream development for large-scale biologics production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges, drive technology transfers, and enhance manu...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$132K - $166K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative process development for small-molecule drug substances. Design experiments, solve complex chemistry challenges, and ensure robust processes for scale-up and tech...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of the Oligo and Peptide market. Lead cross-functional efforts to enhance strategic positioning, build industry presence, and mentor talent, driving innovation an...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$150K - $180K *

Drive innovation by leading strategic initiatives in the Oligo & Peptide market. Partner with diverse teams to enhance industry presence and operational excellence, fostering growth and establishing C...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$165K - $185K *

Transform marketplace dynamics by designing and deploying ML models that optimize pricing and inventory allocation. Collaborate across teams in a high-ownership role, enhancing efficiency and performa...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading a multidisciplinary team to design, develop, and scale integrated hardware and software systems, ensuring reliability, quality, and operational effectiveness in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of our internal cloud environments by managing and optimizing infrastructure, ensuring compliance, and leading incident response. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance re...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform enterprise infrastructure by managing internal cloud environments, ensuring compliance, optimizing costs, and leading security initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintai...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Pioneer the management of internal cloud environments, ensuring compliance, security, and operational excellence while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance infrastructure reliability a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $250K *

Drive innovation in AI research for investment strategies, evaluating, designing, and boosting systems in a dynamic environment. Collaborate within a founding team, impacting product and culture to re...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$147K - $210K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming data into actionable insights, driving strategic decision-making across diverse product areas. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user expe...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$192K - $272K *

Develop and manage cross-functional project teams to ensure high-quality AI data generation and curation for model training, driving progress and clarity in a rapidly evolving environment...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Optimize project execution in global healthcare market research, managing timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality and compliance while...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Drive advancements in operational wave modeling by enhancing predictive capabilities, integrating innovative AI techniques, and collaborating across sectors to protect coastal communities and improve...

College Park, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$108K - $148K *

Champion global operational excellence by designing and deploying standardized processes for material risk assessments and ingredient specifications, ensuring quality and resilience across regions whi...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovation in personal care formulation by developing proprietary products that enhance scalp health and hair performance. Collaborate across teams to ensure successful scale-up and commercializ...

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development and integration of autonomous systems, overseeing personnel and project execution. Drive innovation through rapid prototyping and ensure operational support while fostering a coll...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $220K *

Provide innovative legal strategies to navigate regulatory challenges, directly influencing corporate growth. Lead comprehensive legal functions such as contracts, compliance, and governance in a dyna...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$210K - $250K *

Shape the future of legal strategy by transforming regulatory challenges into growth opportunities. Lead comprehensive legal functions, partner with executives, and navigate complex healthcare regulat...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.