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.
$130K - $155K *
Drive innovative AI solutions by solving complex business challenges with advanced algorithms, leading end-to-end model development, and influencing strategic decisions through data-driven insights...
1 week ago
$177K - $265K *
Shape enterprise AI strategy and governance as a trusted advisor to the Chief AI Officer. Drive organizational capability, manage complex initiatives, and enhance collaboration across teams to realize...
Reposted 2 days ago
$166K - $248K *
Drive enterprise AI excellence by partnering with the Chief AI Officer to shape strategy, governance, and adoption. Lead initiatives and foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure measurable valu...
Reposted 2 days ago
$213K - $319K *
Grow your career with a strategic leadership role influencing enterprise AI initiatives. Collaborate with top executives to shape AI strategy, drive adoption, and enhance organizational capabilities a...
Reposted 2 days ago
Principal Scientist, Analytical Development
$170K - $190K *
Lead the charge in advancing analytical development strategies for small molecule drug substances and products, ensuring compliance and quality across the product lifecycle while collaborating with cr...
1 week ago
$82K *
Support clinical research by recruiting patients, collecting data, and performing tests. Collaborate on study design, statistical analysis, and manuscript writing while ensuring compliance with protoc...
1 week ago
$82K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical research by evaluating patients, collecting data, and contributing to study design and analysis. Your expertise will shape methodologies and enhance...
1 week ago
Sr. Data Scientist, Programmatic Algorithms
$165K - $185K *
Discover innovative ML approaches to optimize pricing, inventory, and yield in programmatic marketplaces. Collaborate cross-functionally while owning data architecture, model deployment, and real-time...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Scientist II - LNP Formulation
$95K - $115K *
Develop lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery, collaborating with senior scientists to optimize formulations and analyze data. Contribute to early-stage development and maintain detailed lab r...
Yesterday
$136K - $167K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead comprehensive paleontological assessments and field projects. Leverage your 20+ years of expertise to mentor junior staff while contributing to impactful environmental...
3 weeks ago
$136K - $167K *
Champion paleontological initiatives by leading surveys, managing assessments, and shaping impactful environmental strategies. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality document...
3 weeks ago
$136K - $167K *
Lead paleontological evaluations and research, managing diverse projects while mentoring junior staff within a collaborative team. Shape strategies and prepare technical documents to meet environmenta...
3 weeks ago
$136K - $167K *
Drive the future of paleontological consulting with expertise in resource management, assessments, and environmental documentation. Lead research and field projects to protect fossil resources while m...
3 weeks ago
$136K - $167K *
Join a team that’s at the forefront of paleontological research, leading assessments and documentation while mentoring junior staff and managing diverse projects throughout Southern California. Your e...
3 weeks ago
$136K - $167K *
Transform paleontological assessments by leading field surveys and documentation, managing technical reports, and mentoring junior staff. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure successful...
3 weeks ago
$114K - $140K *
Lead the charge in advancing paleontological evaluations and research. Utilize your 10+ years of expertise to oversee assessments, manage projects, and mentor junior staff. Enjoy a hybrid role engagin...
3 weeks ago
$114K - $140K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team as you lead paleontological surveys, document fossil resources, and manage comprehensive assessments. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver high-quality enviro...
3 weeks ago
$114K - $140K *
Lead and manage paleontological evaluations and analyses, conducting surveys, resource assessments, and preparing reports. Collaborate within a dynamic team to deliver projects meeting regulatory requ...
3 weeks ago
$114K - $140K *
Champion paleontological evaluations and resource management while leading surveys, conducting research, and preparing reports. Join a dynamic team and thrive in collaborative projects across various...
3 weeks ago
Director, Life Sciences - Oligo & Peptide Market Segment Leader
$150K - $180K *
Lead and innovate in the Oligo & Peptide market, driving strategic direction and market capture. Build industry presence and mentor a passionate team while advancing CRB's design excellence and reputa...
3 weeks ago
Principal Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) Engineer
$200K - $280K *
Lead advanced AI/ML projects, providing technical expertise to sustain mission-critical software for a U.S. Government customer. Collaborate with diverse teams to innovate and generate impactful solut...
4 weeks ago
Principal Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) Engineer
$200K - $280K *
Champion the design and implementation of advanced AI/ML solutions, contributing expertise to enhance mission-critical systems for a U.S. Government client while leading diverse teams and ensuring opt...
4 weeks ago
Director, Life Sciences - Oligo & Peptide Market Segment Leader
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of the Oligo & Peptide Market by leading cross-functional teams, driving strategic growth, and enhancing design excellence while fostering client relationships and market presence in...
3 weeks ago
Director, Life Sciences - Oligo & Peptide Market Segment Leader
$150K - $180K *
Drive strategic growth in the Oligo & Peptide market by leading a cross-functional team. Enhance market capture, foster industry relationships, and establish CRB as a thought leader while developing t...
3 weeks ago
Director, Life Sciences - Oligo & Peptide Market Segment Leader
$150K - $180K *
Elevate CRB's leadership in the Oligo & Peptide segment by spearheading strategic initiatives, enhancing market presence, and mentoring talent to foster innovation and technical excellence in life sci...
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.