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.
Director, Life Sciences - Oligo & Peptide Market Segment Leader
$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
Director, Life Sciences - Oligo & Peptide Market Segment Leader
$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
Director, Life Sciences - Oligo & Peptide Market Segment Leader
$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
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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
$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...
3 days ago
Technical Staff - Space Electronics Lead Engineer
$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
$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
Applied AI Architect, Security Specialist
$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
Applied AI Architect, Security Specialist
$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
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
$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
Senior Scientist, Manufacturing Science & Technology
$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
Applied Scientist, Sponsored Products Off-Search Auction
$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
$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
$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
$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
Regional Director (Public Sector)
$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...
2 weeks ago
Regional Director (Public Sector)
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Sr. GenAI Specialist Solutions Architect - Agentic AI, Agentic AI, WWSO Generative AI
$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
Scientist, Process Analytics, Synthetic Molecule Process Development
$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
$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
Technical SETA – Synthetic Biologist, Biomanufacturing
$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
$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
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.