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 - $120K *

Lead the charge in supporting IT Service Management initiatives by maintaining and enhancing system infrastructure, ensuring high availability, and collaborating with teams to implement effective tech...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Empower transformative change by leading systems engineering initiatives that enhance governance, drive modernization, and improve collaboration across mission-critical programs, directly influencing...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's focused on enhancing IT service management. You'll manage systems, ensure infrastructure reliability, and provide strategic support to optimize operations within a critical military...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion vital Systems Engineering initiatives that enhance governance, drive modernization, and foster collaboration across teams, ensuring alignment with national security objectives and delivering...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Architect solutions for aviation software engineering, focusing on requirements management, system architecture, and safety-critical standards. Collaborate in a dynamic team to ensure compliance with...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team to support SE initiatives, enhancing collaboration and communication while driving mission success through executive-level reporting and stakeholder engagement. Your expertise will...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Unlock insights for leadership by facilitating seamless collaboration across systems engineering disciplines, ensuring comprehensive support for organizational initiatives and high-quality communicati...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$213K - $280K *

Pioneer innovative LNP formulation and process development strategies. Lead a dynamic team, ensuring high-quality production and collaboration across programs to support research and preclinical initi...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$168K - $281K *

Lead the charge in transforming strategic priorities into actionable plans, fostering collaboration across teams, and enhancing organizational effectiveness. Drive executive communications and governa...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$163K - $214K *

Tackle the challenge of developing cutting-edge laser systems, transitioning high-precision frequency combs to advanced PIC platforms. Drive innovation through hands-on metrology and chip-level simula...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$107K - $153K *

Champion innovative skincare solutions by leading formulation projects, leveraging deep expertise in skin biology and active ingredients. Collaborate globally to drive technical strategy and mentor co...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$214K - $300K *

Lead the charge in architecting solutions for manufacturing systems, driving software design, integrating workflows, and enhancing operational efficiency while mentoring future engineering talent with...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform the future of battery technology by leading electrode development and process optimization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and drive innovation in nex...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of biologics manufacturing by leading process development and optimization for downstream purification. Drive technology transfer and scale-up initiatives while collaborating across t...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$250K - $300K *

Lead the charge in clinical development strategy and execution for innovative oncology therapeutics. Collaborate across departments to advance cutting-edge programs while ensuring regulatory complianc...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $269K *

Join a team that pioneers in silico safety assessment, leveraging AI/ML and multi-omics data to enhance drug discovery. Drive scientific innovation and communication across multidisciplinary teams to...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $185K *

Shape the future of medical device innovation by leading system architecture, integration, and validation efforts. Drive cross-functional collaboration to enhance product performance and safety throug...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$185K - $312K *

Engineer the future of home shopping by developing a foundational AI model that integrates market dynamics, consumer behavior, and economic factors to enhance user experience and decision-making in re...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $168K *

Join a team that's redefining supply chain excellence by leading sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships for innovative product development and production. Drive efficiency and quality in a fast...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Transform the future of oceanographic research as a visionary leader, driving scientific excellence, industry partnerships, and funding expansion at a world-class institute dedicated to ocean and envi...

1 month ago

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

$65K - $148K *

Join us to innovate in drug product development and analytical chemistry, utilizing your expertise to enhance drug formulations and ensure quality from early research through commercialization. Collab...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $193K *

Champion the development of cutting-edge machine learning models to enhance customer grocery shopping experiences. Collaborate cross-functionally to innovate and implement scalable solutions that impa...

4 weeks ago

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

$185K - $243K *

Pioneer innovative research in cellular and circuit neuroscience, leading proteomic and connectomic studies of human brain tissues. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance understanding of...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $200K *

Lead operational delivery and client engagement for complex projects, ensuring effective coordination across teams and stakeholders. Drive priorities, manage risks, and maintain visibility into perfor...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $230K *

Elevate the agent ecosystem for a global client, guiding governance and lifecycle management while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to ensure AI solutions deliver reliable value and support str...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

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.