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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$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

$103K - $140K *

Lead and oversee Florida's Radiation Control Program, managing a diverse team to ensure public safety from radiation exposure. Drive program development, regulatory compliance, and emergency response...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$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

$150K - $180K *

Unlock the potential of AI models by innovating efficiency techniques for Large Language Models, supporting cutting-edge improvements in inference performance and resource optimization across diverse...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in optimizing large language model inference efficiency, developing breakthrough techniques and collaborating with a world-class team to enhance model performance while ensuring produc...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $190K *

Manage the development and deployment of innovative techniques to optimize LLM inference efficiency, driving breakthroughs in model execution and enhancing performance without sacrificing quality in a...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Advance your career by optimizing Large Language Model inference efficiency. Join a dynamic team focused on innovative solutions across model architecture and software/hardware co-design to revolution...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion security and compliance initiatives, ensuring robust data protection while driving automation and efficiency. Collaborate with engineering and sales to enhance customer trust and streamline p...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $250K *

Transform quantitative research in technology and society as a Senior Research Scientist. Lead statistical quality assurance, advise on methodologies, and conduct sophisticated analyses across diverse...

2 weeks ago

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

$135K - $160K *

Empower Aidan's capabilities by advancing AI technology in real-time interactions, enhancing voice, vision, and learning systems to achieve seamless user engagement and reliability across modalities...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's driving operational excellence by coordinating and synchronizing planning efforts for Army operations, ensuring effective execution of the Commander’s intent and strategic objective...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$210K - $260K *

Elevate your career by leading strategic initiatives in enterprise AI and digital collaboration. Drive innovation, optimize user experiences, and manage high-performing teams to enhance technology ado...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$210K - $260K *

Drive strategic leadership in enterprise AI and digital collaboration, overseeing implementation and optimization of platforms like Microsoft 365. Lead teams to enhance user experience and maximize te...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$210K - $260K *

Drive strategic leadership in enterprise AI and digital collaboration, enhancing user experience and optimizing technology investments. Lead teams to implement and govern innovative solutions that tra...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$210K - $260K *

Transform the digital workplace by leading enterprise AI and collaboration initiatives. Drive strategy, optimize user experience, and enhance technology adoption across the organization while managing...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$210K - $260K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic initiatives in Digital Workplace Collaboration and Enterprise AI. Drive user engagement, optimize technology platforms, and enhance operational efficiency while f...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$210K - $260K *

Champion innovation in technology collaboration and AI services, leading strategic initiatives and operational excellence across enterprise platforms. Drive user engagement and optimize digital workpl...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$210K - $260K *

Lead the charge in strategic technology collaboration and AI services, overseeing enterprise platforms and enhancing user experiences. Drive innovation, optimize workflows, and foster team development...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

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.