Principal Scientist Jobs

Explore Principal Scientist jobs on Ladders, where professionals can find vetted opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Principal Scientists lead complex research, guide scientific strategy, and turn deep technical expertise into discoveries, products, and business impact.

What Does a Principal Scientist Do?

Principal Scientists provide senior-level scientific direction within organizations such as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, technology firms, manufacturers, and research institutions. They design and oversee research programs, interpret complex data, develop new methods, and communicate findings to technical and executive stakeholders. Depending on the organization, they may also mentor scientists, manage collaborations, and help set long-term research priorities.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers typically seek extensive experience in a relevant scientific discipline, a strong record of research or technical achievement, and the ability to lead projects across teams. Commonly valued skills include experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, subject-matter expertise, project leadership, and clear communication. Many positions require a Ph.D. or other advanced degree, though requirements vary by field and employer.

Principal Scientist Salary and Career Outlook

Compensation varies based on specialty, experience, location, and employer. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities paying at least $100,000, making it a useful place to explore senior-level Principal Scientist roles. Career paths may lead to scientific leadership, research director, vice president of research, or other executive and technical leadership positions.

Find Principal Scientist Jobs on Ladders

Search Principal Scientist openings by specialty, location, and other preferences to identify roles aligned with your experience. Review each listing for its responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation details, then apply directly to opportunities that match your career goals.

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$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI evaluation by leading rigorous methodologies, collaborating with engineers, and mentoring teams to ensure accurate assessments that drive product innovation and market standards...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $145K *

Transform your career by leading innovative protein purification projects. Drive advancements in protein-based technologies while managing multiple initiatives in a dynamic lab environment. Collaborat...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in pharmaceutical product development, driving formulation and process innovation from early stages to clinical manufacturing. Collaborate across teams to ensure successful project exe...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Champion analytical excellence by leading core assay execution and team coordination. Drive improvements in workflows and mentor junior scientists while ensuring high-quality data delivery for biologi...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $210K *

Shape the future of protein reagent development by leading innovative workflows, establishing robust production processes, and mentoring a dedicated team to ensure high-quality, reproducible results i...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$119K - $163K *

Drive innovation as a Principal Scientist, leading complex projects that shape health and wellness solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver impactful product developments and leverage data...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$140K - $155K *

Pioneer your career in cell therapy innovation by leading method transfers and validations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and drive quality in late-stage clinical develo...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $166K *

Partner with us to lead innovative molecular assay projects, mentor scientists, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Drive scientific excellence while collaborating with clients to deliver...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $120K *

Lead application support initiatives, collaborating across teams to enhance product offerings and customer satisfaction through effective troubleshooting and marketing content development...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead innovative cell culture media development, driving projects from concept to commercialization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and solve complex technical challenges...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$136K - $184K *

Explore innovative analytical methods to enhance product characterization, driving data-driven decisions and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve program goals while managing vendor relationship...

Today

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

$150K - $180K *

Advance the future of infrastructure resilience by leading innovative research in risk modeling and decision-making. Drive impactful solutions for utilities managing significant capital expenditures t...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $180K *

Champion analytical method development and validation for microneedle array patches. Lead a team in creating robust, regulatory-compliant methods from Phase 2 to commercialization, ensuring quality an...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$123K - $187K *

Empower innovation by designing and executing assays that enhance protein sequencing technology. Collaborate across disciplines to establish workflows and optimize components, driving advancements in...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Play a key role in developing and validating LC-MS/MS methods for peptide therapeutics, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while managing bioanalytical testing for clinical pharmacokinetic...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Develop advanced polymeric materials and semiconductor cleaning products through experimental design and collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and commercialization of next-gen...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $116K *

Shape the future of semiconductor applications by designing and synthesizing innovative organic molecules. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive research, scale processes, and enhance material perf...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Champion innovation in diagnostic platforms by leading verification and validation efforts. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and drive data-driven decisions, enhancing product performance...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading and mentoring as a Principal Scientist in bioanalytical validation, overseeing early drug discovery, preclinical work, and clinical trials, while fostering innovative labor...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career as you lead bioanalytical validation and studies, mentoring teams while ensuring excellence in drug discovery and regulatory compliance across bioanalysis and toxicology...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $240K *

Join a team that's pioneering advanced X-Ray research to enhance semiconductor metrology solutions. Collaborate on experiments, data analysis, and algorithm development to drive innovation in microele...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $240K *

Champion advanced X-Ray research to develop next-gen metrology solutions. Conduct experiments, analyze data, and create algorithms for semiconductor characterization, focusing on precision and innovat...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$138K - $184K *

Champion innovative chemical processes as a Senior Scientist, leading multidisciplinary teams to develop green, cost-effective methods for producing APIs. Engage in hands-on experimentation, data anal...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$116K - $177K *

Drive innovation in clinical and life sciences by leading research and product development projects. Oversee interdisciplinary teams, design experiments, analyze data, and present findings to advance...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $215K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative LNP delivery research, designing in vivo studies, and collaborating across teams to advance CAR-T therapies. Drive impactful results in a dynamic environment whi...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Principal Scientist do?question toggle

    A Principal Scientist leads advanced research or technical programs, sets scientific direction, analyzes results, and shares findings with stakeholders. Responsibilities may also include mentoring colleagues and coordinating cross-functional teams.

  • What qualifications are commonly required for Principal Scientist jobs?question toggle

    Requirements vary by specialty, but employers often look for extensive relevant experience, a strong record of scientific or technical work, and advanced expertise. Many roles require a Ph.D. or another advanced degree, along with research leadership and communication skills.

  • How much do Principal Scientists earn?question toggle

    Pay depends on factors such as field, location, experience, and employer. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for compensation information.

  • Where do Principal Scientists work?question toggle

    Principal Scientists work across industries including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and academic or independent research.

  • How can I find Principal Scientist jobs on Ladders?question toggle

    Browse Principal Scientist listings on Ladders and use available search filters to narrow opportunities by location, specialty, or other preferences. Review each listing for its requirements and compensation details.