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.

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$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of the Oligo & Peptide market by driving strategic initiatives, enhancing technical excellence, and fostering industry engagement within the Life Sciences sector...

3 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Lead cross-functional teams to drive strategic growth in the Oligo & Peptide market, enhancing industry presence and technical excellence. Partner with leadership to innovate and support global opport...

3 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that advances market leadership in the Oligo & Peptide sector through strategic vision, leadership, and innovation. Lead cross-functional efforts to enhance design excellence and drive glo...

3 weeks ago

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

$130K - $160K *

Develop innovative measurement solutions by leveraging data science expertise to solve complex marketing challenges. Collaborate closely with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver insights...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $303K *

Drive innovative product development programs through effective leadership and strategic management, overseeing all phases from conception to market launch while ensuring cross-functional collaboratio...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$225K - $265K *

Shape the future of oncology by leading clinical studies in early-phase development. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive innovative therapies and ensure high-quality execution of clinica...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $220K *

Lead the charge in designing innovative space electronics systems that meet national security needs. Collaborate with diverse teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure excellence in cutting-edge elec...

Reposted 6 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovative HVAC design solutions, leading complex engineering projects while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring high-quality outputs across multidisciplinary teams...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$380K - $400K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team that enhances cybersecurity for enterprise accounts. Collaborate with account teams to implement innovative security solutions, guiding clients from initial...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$380K - $400K *

Elevate security practices by partnering with enterprise teams to implement Claude, guiding clients through technical plans and deployments while enhancing their cybersecurity posture across various r...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Take ownership of designing an AI agent system for complex transactions, leading the architecture and orchestration while ensuring secure operations and high-value outcomes through expert collaboratio...

London, ONIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive innovative technology solutions by leading application development initiatives. Partner closely with healthcare organizations to shape digital strategies, enhance user experiences, and ensure se...

3 weeks ago

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

$90K - $105K *

Explore innovative formulation strategies and optimize manufacturing processes to drive successful product commercialization. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and quality throughout the p...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$172K - $223K *

Join a dynamic team to innovate in Generative AI and machine learning, transforming ad experiences and enhancing customer journeys through cutting-edge technology and collaboration with cross-function...

3 days ago

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

$90K - $95K *

Engage in a dynamic role overseeing social media strategy, content, and analytics. Collaborate with teams to drive public affairs campaigns and digital storytelling while managing platforms and naviga...

3 weeks ago

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

$250K - $290K *

Partner with us to support business growth as a Corporate Counsel in the biotech industry. Engage in contract drafting, negotiation, and compliance, collaborating with cross-functional teams in a fast...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$50K - $500K *

Lead pioneering research efforts to enhance agent reliability and performance. Build a high-impact team, design rigorous experiments, and transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions alongside...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Support the growth of public sector sales by building relationships with CxO leaders, driving lead generation, and delivering tailored presentations. Leverage your expertise to enhance client engageme...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Empower public sector leaders by driving sales of innovative IT solutions. Leverage your extensive experience to build relationships, exceed targets, and contribute to improving citizen lives across C...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Support clinical studies by assisting teams with tasks like medical monitoring and protocol management. Collaborate across functions and engage with stakeholders to ensure successful trial outcomes wh...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$153K - $207K *

Empower customers to modernize applications using Generative AI solutions, driving adoption through technical guidance, collaboration, and thought leadership while engaging across geographies and deve...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$116K - $182K *

Deliver expert analytical support for process chemistry, optimizing reactions and developing methods for synthetic molecules. Lead projects, troubleshoot issues, and drive innovation in drug substance...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $180K *

Tackle diverse challenges as you support executive operations, manage projects, and leverage AI to enhance efficiency. Collaborate closely to streamline processes and drive organizational success whil...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $180K *

Lead the development and oversight of cutting-edge synthetic biology and biomanufacturing programs, providing expert support to DARPA Program Managers and ensuring effective communication of complex t...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $165K *

Accelerate donor engagement and major gifts cultivation to support vital AI policy initiatives. Manage a dynamic portfolio, orchestrate impactful events, and serve as a key liaison to elevate philanth...

4 weeks ago

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

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.