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

$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

$165K - $185K *

Lead drug substance activities in process chemistry, driving projects from early to late phases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful manufacturing and regulatory submissions...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $190K *

Lead the charge in advancing analytical development strategies for small molecule drug substances and products, ensuring compliance and quality across the product lifecycle while collaborating with cr...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of oncology by leading biologics process development and manufacturing. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and quality in clinical-stage products, while mentoring scientist...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $190K *

Lead formulation development from discovery to clinical stages, translating compounds into scalable processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategy, solve challenges, and ensure q...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in advancing small molecule drug discovery, driving innovative medicinal chemistry strategies from hit identification to IND-enabling studies while collaborating across disciplines and...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $280K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI in biology by leading a team to design benchmarks and enhance model performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and ensure quali...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $165K *

Lead the charge in shaping software product strategy and lifecycle for analytics solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experience and drive measurable outcomes, ensuring alignment with c...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $190K *

Pioneer innovative AI solutions to transform biomedical discovery, collaborating with top scientists and engineers to bridge virtual and real-world data, enhancing drug discovery and clinical care pro...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $210K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive clinical biomarker strategy and execution, translating discovery insights into actionable approaches that enhance patient outcomes in early neuroscienc...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$215K - $240K *

Shape the future of drug development by leading analytical strategies, ensuring compliance and optimization of processes across lifecycle stages, and collaborating with cross-functional teams and exte...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving project success in clinical research. Lead cross-functional teams, manage stakeholder relationships, and ensure timely execution of projects while navigating bu...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $160K *

Lead the charge in designing and enhancing AI systems for K-12 assessments, integrating cutting-edge technology with educational insights to create reliable, evaluative solutions that drive learning o...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

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

$140K - $160K *

Design and enhance intelligent AI systems for K-12 assessment, collaborating across disciplines to create reliable, evaluative solutions that integrate seamlessly into educational frameworks and suppo...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

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

$140K - $160K *

Advance the design and implementation of a robust knowledge architecture for K-12 assessment systems, integrating AI and learning science to enhance educational outcomes through innovative, data-drive...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

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

$147K - $274K *

Empower innovation by leading applied AI research initiatives that shape product features. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex problems into impactful AI solutions, mentoring...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$115K - $165K *

Drive product strategy and roadmap for spectroscopy technologies, integrating analytical solutions into bioprocessing systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product needs and enhan...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$157K - $174K *

Elevate technical execution in GMP manufacturing by leading complex workstreams for comparability strategies, tech transfers, and process improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensur...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $100K *

Accelerate progress at a dynamic agency by leading complex client campaigns. Manage project scope, timelines, and budgets while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality result...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $160K *

Architect the future of intelligent K-12 assessment systems by designing a robust knowledge architecture that integrates AI, learning science, and psychometrics. Innovate and build foundational struct...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

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

$150K - $180K *

Engineer advanced protein design models and collaborate with experts to innovate in AI Drug Discovery, driving the development of candidate antibody therapeutics through deep learning and systems biol...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading the Cultural Resources practice, driving strategic growth, and ensuring technical excellence in archaeology while fostering client relationships and mentoring staff across...

Colorado, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$88K - $105K *

Drive impactful clinical trial success by leading central laboratory activities. This remote role requires strong operational oversight, cross-functional leadership, and client engagement to ensure pr...

Kentucky, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $175K *

Empower scientific innovation by collaborating within product pods to develop and evaluate real-world evidence agents. Drive impactful research and ensure scientific rigor while partnering with indust...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.