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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$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

$130K - $160K *

Transform customer interactions with cutting-edge AI, optimize workflows and enhance service efficiency while collaborating with tech and business teams to deliver impactful software solutions in real...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $193K *

Transform inventory management by developing optimization models and algorithms that enhance decision-making across a global fulfillment network, impacting billions in business decisions and improving...

3 days ago

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

$160K - $200K *

Lead the strategic vision and operations of the Quality department, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and client expectations while fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improve...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Execute comprehensive project management for DoD biomanufacturing initiatives, ensuring effective coordination of stakeholder collaboration and monitoring of project performance, cost, and schedules t...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $200K *

Lead the assessment and enhancement of DoW program protection initiatives. Utilize security engineering expertise to conduct technical evaluations and develop strategies for risk assessment, ensuring...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the advancement of program protection and technical risk assessments for military systems, ensuring security across the acquisition lifecycle. Collaborate with stakeholders and provide critical a...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$107K - $140K *

Transform your career with a dynamic HR Generalist role, delivering comprehensive support across various HR functions. Collaborate with leaders to enhance employee experience, manage compliance, and d...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by designing and executing in vivo studies that advance therapeutic discoveries, fostering collaboration within a dynamic research team focused on innovative oligonucleotide therapies...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $154K *

Lead the charge in solving complex technical challenges by leveraging your expertise in electrical engineering or computer science. Collaborate with diverse clients to deliver innovative solutions acr...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing campus infrastructure through effective project management. Oversee all phases of planning, design, and construction, ensuring projects meet academic and rese...

Today

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

$88K - $105K *

Drive impactful projects by collaborating with leaders to define goals, streamline processes, and implement solutions. Utilize data-driven methods to enhance project management capacity and ensure suc...

Yesterday

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

$100K - $120K *

Optimize project delivery by managing scope, budget, and schedule for diverse architectural and construction projects. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and quality while driving strategic d...

3 days ago

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

$180K - $220K *

Elevate the sales strategy and lead growth by transforming a proven product into a scalable revenue engine. Drive enterprise opportunities while developing a high-performing sales team to enhance mark...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$204K - $310K *

Shape the future of AI foundational models by defining roadmap priorities and translating scientific insights into impactful capabilities, driving research into operational excellence while collaborat...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$183K - $248K *

Unlock potential by leading a team of scientists to develop advanced models that inform critical decision metrics, enhancing how customer actions are translated into long-term value across diverse bus...

Reposted 1 month ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Explore complex data sets and drive insights by designing and implementing data pipelines. Collaborate with teams to manage ML projects and leverage advanced statistical techniques for innovative solu...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $275K *

Shape the future of ICBM technology by overseeing complex projects. Lead program execution, ensuring cost and schedule targets are met while fostering strong customer relationships and team morale thr...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Manage mission-critical IT Operations and Maintenance services, ensuring high performance, security, and customer satisfaction while leading multidisciplinary teams and driving continuous improvement...

2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$133K - $247K *

Shape the future of space technology by leading R&D for electro-optical payloads. Drive innovation, manage technical strategies, and mentor engineers while collaborating with industry partners to enha...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Drive excellence in program management for complex systems acquisition, supporting the U.S. Space Force. Leverage expertise in strategic planning and integration to enhance mission capabilities and en...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $140K *

Champion the future of defense technology by leading a dynamic team of software developers, managing a $13M program, and ensuring successful execution of critical air and missile defense simulations w...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive the future of defense technology by leading a dynamic team in software development, managing a $13M program, and ensuring excellence in air and missile defense exercises globally...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 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.