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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$110K - $130K *
Lead clinical studies in infectious disease, ensuring scientific execution and collaboration with stakeholders. Oversee medical monitoring, trial design, and data management while mentoring junior sci...
3 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's redefining clinical research in infectious diseases. Lead studies, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure scientific integrity while driving innovative trial designs and monitori...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower clinical research by leading studies in infectious diseases, ensuring scientific integrity and collaboration with stakeholders. Drive trial design, monitor data, and support medical activities...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of operational decision-making by leading a multidisciplinary research program that enhances performance and collaboration within the Air Force. Drive impactful outcomes through effec...
1 week ago
Scientist I - Content Development
$120K - $140K *
Drive the development and optimization of multiplex proteomic panels, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality assay performance and deliver reliable data across diverse diseas...
2 weeks ago
$175K - $225K *
Unlock potential by leading biomarker development for neuromuscular diseases. Collaborate cross-functionally to translate hypotheses into actionable strategies, ensuring alignment with program objecti...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Advance quantum networking through research and development, optimizing performance and integration of quantum systems in optical networks, while leveraging expertise in quantum metrology and communic...
1 week ago
Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Soft Materials Experimentation
$156K - $214K *
Lead the charge in driving innovation within experimental soft materials, managing a multidisciplinary team, and developing cutting-edge workflows that bridge science and technology for impactful form...
Reposted 1 week ago
$88K - $134K *
Lead the charge in quality assurance by managing complex projects, mentoring team members, and driving improvements in product performance. Utilize your expertise in protein-based immunoassays to ensu...
3 weeks ago
Operations and Quality Engineer, Sustaining Engineering
$93K - $158K *
Join a team that's focused on building operational structure and lifecycle systems for AI Science Factories. This role supports cross-functional collaboration, ensuring scalable, lightweight workflows...
Reposted 1 week ago
Research Scientist, Computational Condensed Matter Physics
$176K - $304K *
Analyze advanced materials using computational methods to accelerate discovery and optimization. Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment, integrating physics simulations and AI to guide resear...
Reposted 1 week ago
$89K - $123K *
Empower product safety through signal management, risk evaluation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance and support safety surveillance during all development phases...
Reposted 2 days ago
$109K - $174K *
Lead the charge in advancing high-throughput screening platforms for viral and bacterial antigens, driving innovative experimental design and collaboration with computational teams to optimize antigen...
2 weeks ago
Computational Scientist, Quantum Energy Systems
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at a cutting-edge startup by simulating materials at atomic scales. Collaborate closely with experimental teams to drive fast, data-driven decisions that reshape innovation in quan...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Scientist - Stem Cell Process Development
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in advancing stem cell manufacturing by developing robust iPSC expansion processes and optimizing bioprocessing workflows on an automated platform, ensuring scalability and reproducibi...
3 weeks ago
Applied Scientist, Advertising Trust
$172K - $223K *
Unlock potential by developing advanced ML models and solutions for ad content understanding. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance advertiser experiences and ensure high-quality ad moder...
1 week ago
Sr. Director, Technical Researcher
$155K - $170K *
Lead complex research initiatives by transforming business questions into actionable insights. Collaborate with clients to design robust studies, ensuring methodological integrity and advancing resear...
1 week ago
Global Security Operations Center Manager
$108K - $186K *
Lead and enhance global security operations, driving safety through access control, incident response, and policy implementation across all locations. Collaborate extensively to protect personnel and...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior/Principal ML Scientist, Translational Biology
$268K - $384K *
Transform therapeutic intervention assessments by developing systems that integrate human data and mechanistic models, evaluating clinical programs for efficacy and alignment with biological evidence...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advancing pharmaceutical analytical methods and standards. Drive complex studies, support regulatory compliance, and mentor scientific talent while championing method development an...
Reposted 1 week ago
$160K - $200K *
Lead transformative initiatives by partnering with the CEO to drive operational excellence and strategic alignment in a fast-paced environment. Own critical projects, enhance decision-making, and fost...
Today
Scientist I - ML/AI Regulatory Genomics and Cell Type-Targeted Tools for Brain Health
$87K - $108K *
Transform regulatory genomics by analyzing multiomic data and enhancing synthetic tools for brain health. Collaborate with scientists to optimize models and validate sequences, driving innovation in g...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Lead a team of experts in nuclear weapon physics, driving research and collaboration across government agencies to enhance national security and support critical defense missions. Engage in technical...
6 days ago
$125K - $165K *
Champion strategic transformation by supporting the CEO in shaping and executing organizational goals. Drive board engagement, operational excellence, and sustainable systems that foster effective col...
3 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, Small Molecule Screening
$126K - $181K *
Elevate your career by joining a team of scientists dedicated to advancing innovative DNA-encoded library technology. Collaborate to develop cutting-edge methods, conduct experiments, and drive scient...
4 weeks ago
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.