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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$110K - $130K *

Engineer strategic bioindustrial base analyses to guide Department of War investments in biotechnology. Collaborate with industry partners and provide insights to leadership on technology risks, oppor...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion efficient lab and office operations by managing supplies, safety, and compliance in a biotech environment. Oversee day-to-day activities, ensuring a well-organized facility that supports scie...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Empower strategic initiatives and operational excellence by collaborating with the CEO and leadership team. Drive impactful projects, enhance communication, and optimize workflows to redefine care del...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $250K *

Empower your career by collaborating with design partners and manufacturers on-site while developing full-stack software solutions that drive operational maturity and financial success in the producti...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$207K - $300K *

Champion the future of AI-generated health guidance by developing critical evaluation frameworks and translating complex data insights into impactful business strategies, influencing stakeholders acro...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$206K - $265K *

Shape the future of pharmacogenomics by leading business strategy, product development, and partnership initiatives, enhancing healthcare through informed medication decisions and innovative PGx solut...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$87K - $198K *

Lead innovative studies on human immune memory and control, designing and executing high-resolution sequencing and single-cell profiling. Mentor lab members and contribute to research publications and...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$165K - $296K *

Lead a multidisciplinary team to advance agentic AI in Excel, shaping scientific direction and product impact. Collaborate with engineering and design to translate research into reliable capabilities...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$103K - $149K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing faculty operations and strategic planning. Oversee financial management, human resources, and internal communications to support academic excellence and stude...

Victoria, BCIn-Person

1 week ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of analytical development by leading innovative methods for synthetic molecules. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance drug characterization and regulatory submissions, e...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Drive AI and machine learning innovation by leading a dynamic team. Define strategies, oversee scalable solutions, and partner with leaders to enhance decision-making and optimize operations, deliveri...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Transform the future of regulatory science by leading multidisciplinary programs in physical and biological sciences, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical devices while shaping innovative...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Drive innovative regulatory science by leading multidisciplinary programs in physical and biological sciences, shaping strategies, and managing a skilled workforce to enhance medical device safety and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$243K - $317K *

Champion data-driven decisions by leading high-impact ML initiatives, mentoring peers, and transforming large datasets into actionable insights to drive revenue growth and business success across Ads...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Drive innovation by owning production systems that enhance appliance repair efficiency, leveraging cutting-edge AI to optimize diagnostics and service calls. Collaborate closely with engineers to rapi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$193K - $353K *

Shape the future of AI by leading R&D strategies that integrate classical and generative AI, driving innovation and scalable solutions across diverse business applications while building a high-perfor...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$193K - $353K *

Take ownership of advancing AI capabilities by leading R&D strategies, integrating classical and generative AI, and building high-performing teams to deliver innovative, scalable solutions that drive...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$193K - $353K *

Unlock the potential of AI by leading innovative R&D strategies that integrate classical and generative AI, driving impactful solutions and scalable platforms across diverse business applications...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$193K - $353K *

Innovate AI strategies by leading R&D efforts that integrate classical and generative AI, driving impactful solutions across data and analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scal...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$193K - $353K *

Lead the enterprise AI R&D strategy, integrating classical and generative AI to drive innovative solutions. Build and scale a high-performing team while translating cutting-edge research into impactfu...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Pioneer innovative ink formulations and coating processes, driving advancements in material performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate lab results into practical solutions, enha...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$148K - $175K *

Innovate insights into AI's economic impact by synthesizing diverse data sources, collaborating with experts, and shaping industry narratives to drive strategic executive decisions and elevate market...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Oversee daily operations and performance of a key Government program, ensuring compliance, quality control, and effective workforce management across multiple locations. Engage with stakeholders to dr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Oversee daily operations and performance of the H2F program, ensuring compliance and quality control while managing a geographically dispersed team and coordinating with Government stakeholders to ach...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$167K - $209K *

Drive innovative AI solutions in biology by managing ML training pipelines and data infrastructure. Collaborate with scientists to develop models and enhance data access, contributing to groundbreakin...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.