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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$80K - $85K *

Empower operational excellence by providing hands-on technical support for ticketing and POS systems, ensuring reliability and exceptional guest service while collaborating with teams to enhance syste...

Today

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

$116K - $182K *

Contribute to groundbreaking superconducting qubit fabrication by developing quantum-compatible processes for advanced circuits, enabling transformative computational advantages in quantum information...

Reposted 6 days ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer the future of AI in higher education by leading strategy, governance, and implementation across the university. Drive responsible AI adoption, enhance student success, and transform institutio...

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $225K *

Lead strategic technical initiatives in Battle Management systems, guiding high-performing teams and driving innovative software solutions for defense applications to enhance decision-making processes...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Engineer secure, scalable software solutions for mission-critical DoD projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance capabilities through AI/ML integration and ensure compliance with dev...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $225K *

Lead the charge in advancing Protein Sciences by developing high-quality proteins and therapeutic conjugates. Guide a dynamic team and integrate cutting-edge technologies to streamline processes while...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Champion the seamless execution of multi-disciplinary projects, guiding teams through the complexities of product development while ensuring client satisfaction and alignment. Your leadership will dri...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by leading multi-disciplinary projects from inception to delivery. Utilize design thinking and project management tools to align teams and exceed client expectations in the medical...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $214K *

Transform real-world data into actionable insights to enhance clinical development and decision-making. Collaborate across teams to design studies, apply advanced analytics, and drive evidence generat...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$86K - $106K *

Champion the integration of multimodal data to unravel the structural dynamics of neuromodulation. Collaborate with teams to develop frameworks and insights into cell type identity, driving foundation...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's redefining project management excellence. Lead our PMO, guiding a talented group of Project Managers to ensure successful project execution, foster collaboration, and drive continuo...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI by designing and implementing enterprise-grade solutions on Google Cloud and Azure, focusing on data migration, pipeline development, and robust cloud infra...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$127K - $171K *

Transform cancer research by designing innovative studies and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to advance therapeutic programs and uncover biological insights in oncology...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $215K *

Elevate your career by researching and developing innovative 3D printing materials. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to experiment, validate, and enhance materials for various applications in d...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$115K - $215K *

Advance your career in revolutionary materials science by developing cutting-edge materials for 3D printing through innovation, rigorous experimentation, and collaboration with engineers and product t...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Grow transformative learning experiences by leading The Data Mine at Purdue Indy. Oversee operations, foster partnerships, and support student success through innovative data-driven initiatives and co...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$138K - $165K *

Unlock innovative engineering solutions as a leading authority on design strategies, driving product development and strengthening capabilities across diverse teams to resolve complex challenges and e...

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $190K *

Help us transform AI research execution by managing complex, cross-functional programs. You'll connect milestones, resolve blockers, and streamline transitions from research to deployment, enabling te...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $225K *

Unlock potential by leading U.S. government business opportunities in space systems. Collaborate with key stakeholders, develop proposals, and enhance awareness of Astranis solutions within the Intell...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $150K *

Elevate operational excellence by leading strategic initiatives and financial management across multiple institutions. Collaborate with senior leadership to drive goals, enhance partnerships, and ensu...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

The Sr. Project Manager is responsible for overseeing construction activities, ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget. This role involves managing client relationships...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$150K - $180K *

Elevate engineering excellence by leading multi-disciplinary teams, driving innovation, and transforming prototypes into production-ready solutions while fostering collaboration and mentoring talent a...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$270K - $280K *

Join a team that's driving clinical excellence by overseeing trial execution, managing timelines, budgets, and CROs. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance and quality while mentoring team...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Lead the technical direction for complex Naval aviation systems, ensuring Fleet readiness and safety. Drive architecture, requirements, and integration while mentoring engineers and collaborating with...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate cybersecurity standards by integrating security controls into system design and development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with federal security requirements whi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information 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.