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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$95K - $115K *

Drive the successful delivery of complex global clinical trials, overseeing cross-functional teams and ensuring compliance with GCP and regulatory standards while managing budgets and timelines to exc...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the design and development of complex software systems, ensuring architectural consistency and best practices. Collaborate with teams to deliver scalable solutions while mentoring engineers and d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing complex operational workflows that enhance service delivery and client experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement...

Johnson City, TNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $195K *

Champion the future of clinical science by leading trial design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure compliance with GCP and drive innovative solutions in rare disease research...

San Diego, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$201K - $251K *

Transform workforce intelligence by leading People Analytics, establishing data governance, and driving strategic decision-making in a high-growth environment. Collaborate across functions to enhance...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Unlock innovative AI/ML solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams, conducting research, and deploying production-grade microservices. Drive impactful projects with ownership and contribut...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Drive product strategy and execution for a critical portfolio area, leading cross-functional teams to transform user insights into impactful software solutions while mentoring others and shaping platf...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$180K - $220K *

Transform the global OEM and Advanced Therapeutics landscape by leading commercial strategy, driving growth, and fostering strategic partnerships. Collaborate across functions to deliver innovative so...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $185K *

Elevate health outcomes by collaborating on innovative R&D initiatives, supporting program development, and integrating advanced biological systems with cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic, remote...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$196K - $210K *

Partner with us to shape the future of semiconductor workforce development by aligning industry needs with educational strategies, fostering partnerships, and leading initiatives that ensure technical...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $195K *

Contribute to the success of IVD and CDx programs by leading cross-functional teams through development, validation, and submission processes. Drive strategic execution and ensure alignment with regul...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$99K - $115K *

Lead innovative research on enzyme regulation and metabolism, utilizing structural biology and biochemistry techniques. Drive project management, data analysis, and grant writing while mentoring junio...

Seattle, WARemote

6 days ago

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

$135K - $160K *

Take ownership of shaping the future of Enterprise Customer Education by defining strategies, leveraging data, and leading teams to drive impactful outcomes that transform client engagement and enable...

CanadaRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$215K - $240K *

Shape the future of commercial operations by leading strategy, workflows, and data integration. Collaborate with senior leaders to enhance brand performance and drive operational excellence across cro...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K *

Drive innovation and transform lives by leading regulatory strategies and submissions for clinical trials globally. Act as a key liaison for project teams to ensure compliance, operational excellence...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Elevate data privacy standards by leading a comprehensive privacy program. Collaborate across teams to integrate privacy-by-design principles, enhance data governance, and ensure compliance while enab...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $140K *

Join a dynamic team as you shape product strategy and drive innovation in assessment solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and leverage emerging technologies f...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

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

$140K - $180K *

Unlock potential by designing rigorous evaluations of AI agents in human physiology, leveraging deep biological insights to tackle complex research problems and collaborate across disciplines for impa...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Champion market research initiatives by managing projects, translating client needs into actionable plans, and delivering insights that drive strategic decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional tea...

Bristol, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Advance your career by driving market intelligence and product strategy for RUO oncology and transplant products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer relationships and ensure s...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Transform safety data management by leading AI/ML initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and driving efficiencies in pharmacovigilance processes through innovative technology solu...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Advance archaeological services by leading complex projects, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. Provide expert guidance, manage client relationships, and drive innovative solut...

Olathe, KSRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $140K *

Join a team that's shaping innovative single-use product solutions through collaboration and technical expertise. Leverage your design skills to support customer needs and drive continuous improvement...

Massachusetts, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of technical proposals by collaborating with cross-functional teams to create compelling, scientifically accurate documents that meet client needs and drive business success in the li...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$232K - $290K *

Shape the future of global People Operations by leading innovative HR service delivery, enhancing employee experiences, and driving operational excellence in a rapidly scaling biopharmaceutical enviro...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 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.