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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$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

$150K - $180K *

Optimize quality operations for large-scale data pipelines, ensuring high standards and consistency across diverse datasets. Lead a team to enhance efficiency and reliability in audio data processing...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering high-impact consulting solutions for clients in the Energy & Utilities sector. Manage engagements, build relationships, and mentor teams to drive client success and strat...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$132K - $178K *

Champion quality in In-Vitro Diagnostics and Companion Diagnostics. Lead proactive strategies, ensuring compliance in clinical trials while collaborating with partners to enhance precision medicine in...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Transform healthcare data solutions by designing scalable architectures, optimizing data pipelines, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-qu...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$240K - $253K *

Pioneer innovation in real-time bid optimization systems, driving advertising performance by turning complex mathematical insights into robust production code. Lead cross-functional initiatives to max...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$91K - $148K *

Transform your career by leading complex projects, managing resources, and ensuring quality deliverables. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive strategic initiatives and maintain client relationship...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $210K *

Lead global field operations, driving strategy and execution across sales, technical services, and partner functions. Collaborate with senior leadership to optimize pipeline management, forecasting, a...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $140K *

Champion product strategy and innovation, driving enhancements through AI and user insights. Collaborate with teams to deliver measurable outcomes and improve workflows in high-stakes assessment envir...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

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

$138K - $176K *

Drive innovation in polymer processing by leading injection molding initiatives, optimizing manufacturing performance, and collaborating across teams to enhance product quality and efficiency in medic...

Largo, FLRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$116K - $182K *

Lead the charge in clinical study management, overseeing strategy and execution for complex trials. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, budget adherence, and timely delivery...

Massachusetts, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$139K - $222K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of housing market forecasting. Collaborate with experts to develop innovative models, extract key features, and communicate insights that drive strategic decision...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of technology project delivery by leading a high-performing team, managing strategic initiatives, and ensuring alignment with business objectives to maximize value and drive organizat...

Indianapolis, INRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$179K - $246K *

Drive your career forward by leading a dynamic team that crafts and delivers exceptional digital experiences. Oversee web content, UX design, and front-end development while ensuring quality and opera...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in complex HR technology initiatives, coordinating Workday enhancements and integrations. Utilize your analytical skills to drive successful implementations, ensuring stakeholder align...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $180K *

Shape the future of neuroscience by leveraging AI to enhance research methodologies. Collaborate with experts to define benchmarks, analyze data, and ensure AI agents meet rigorous scientific standard...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$201K - $251K *

Lead strategic forecasting initiatives to drive decision-making in oncology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop long-term models and communicate insights that shape product and portfol...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $200K *

Lead the charge in managing complex Life Sciences programs, ensuring alignment with customer commitments. Drive delivery across teams, proactively addressing risks and building a PMO as the business s...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Drive a unified technical organization to enhance customer support from application discovery to project conversion, focusing on team development, technical selling, and improving customer experiences...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in building a unified technical organization that enhances customer experience through application support and field service, driving project conversions and fostering a culture of con...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$132K - $173K *

Architect AI-driven solutions that enhance business processes and decision-making. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and deploy scalable applications, ensuring compliance wit...

Kentucky, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead the quality assurance efforts for commissioning, qualification, and validation across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring compliance with cGMP standards while collaborating with cross-function...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Support project management by coordinating study documentation, mentoring team members, and ensuring compliance. Leverage expertise in clinical research to enhance study start-up and execution, while...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$275K - $325K *

Join a team that's redefining financing products through innovative engineering. Lead complex initiatives, modernize systems, and leverage AI tools to enhance software development while ensuring data...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 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.