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.

600

Chief Scientist Jobs

Average Salary: $181,339

Chief Scientist Jobs Near Me Remote Chief Scientist Jobs

Get email alerts for this search!

...

* Ladders Estimates

Top companies hiring for Chief Scientist

Danaher Amazon Allen Institute for Brain Science Google SAIC Anthropic Turing Moderna, Inc.OpenAI Flagship Pioneering Tempus Asimov Johnson & Johnson AbSci Eli Lilly

Top similar job titles to Chief Scientist

Research Scientist jobs Senior Scientist jobs Principal Scientist jobs Computational Biologist jobs Senior Research Scientist jobs Applied Scientist jobs Clinical Manager jobs Senior Applied Scientist jobs Data Scientist jobs Senior Data Scientist jobs Analytical Scientist jobs Program Manager jobs Chief Operating Officer jobs Principal Data Scientist jobs Project Manager jobs

Top cities hiring for Chief Scientist

San Francisco, CA jobs Cambridge, MA jobs New York, NY jobs Seattle, WA jobs Boston, MA jobs South San Francisco, CA jobs Washington, DC jobs San Diego, CA jobs Mountain View, CA jobs Palo Alto, CA jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.