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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Analytical Science & 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...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry
$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...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Analytical Development
$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...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Biologics
$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...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Formulation Development
$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...
3 weeks ago
Principal/ AD Medicinal Chemist
$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...
2 days ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Global Product Manager, Analytics Software
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
1 week ago
Principal Scientist/Associate Director, Translational Medicine
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Analytical Sciences
$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...
Reposted 2 days ago
$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...
Yesterday
$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...
Yesterday
$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...
2 days ago
$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...
2 days ago
$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...
1 week ago
Global Product Manager, Spectroscopy & Systems Integration
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Project Manager, Promotional Medical Education
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$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...
Yesterday
Staff/Principal AI Scientist - Virtual Tissue
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$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...
Yesterday
Scientist, Advanced Clinical Innovation Partnerships (ACIP), IGTS, West
$113K - $181K *
Lead cutting-edge clinical data and AI initiatives with top hospitals to drive innovation in image-guided therapy. Partner with key stakeholders to translate clinical needs into impactful, scalable so...
Reposted today
$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...
Yesterday
What does a Principal Scientist do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.