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.
Director, Commercial CMC Programs
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in developing and executing CMC strategies to optimize manufacturing processes and commercial operations, ensuring alignment with project goals through effective collaboration across t...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal Researcher, Benchmarks, Evaluation, and Standards
$133K - $197K *
Drive impactful research by leading technical evaluations and benchmarks in AI. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure principled guidance that integrates social and technical considerations...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager, Quantum
$138K - $165K *
Explore innovative quantum computing solutions as a Senior Product Manager, driving product vision and collaboration across teams to enhance user experiences and address complex challenges in analytic...
4 days ago
Director, Commercial CMC Programs
$150K - $180K *
Empower the execution of CMC strategies by collaborating across teams to enhance production, streamline operations, and drive commercial success for innovative therapeutics and diagnostics, ensuring a...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Clinical Project Manager
$140K - $150K *
Shape your career by managing clinical research studies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones efficiently and effectively...
3 weeks ago
$79K - $127K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing health research through innovative statistical analysis and mentoring. Collaborate with investigators to design studies, prepare publications, and present fin...
2 weeks ago
$190K - $249K *
Drive innovation by leading AI architecture and strategy, mentoring engineers, and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver impactful AI solutions. Shape the future of AI products through technical...
1 week ago
Senior Lead Applied AI Scientist
$176K - $220K *
Elevate innovation by designing and implementing scalable AI solutions that drive business transformation. Collaborate with diverse teams to harness AI's potential and deliver measurable results while...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Manager, Risk Intelligence & Decision Support
$124K - $207K *
Join a team that's transforming risk data into actionable insights. Lead analytics and decision support initiatives, manage delivery roadmaps, and enhance team capabilities to drive effective risk man...
1 week ago
Executive Director, Manufacturing
$175K - $210K *
Lead operational excellence in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, overseeing GMP processes, technology transfers, and clinical supply. Drive strategic initiatives, manage CDMO relationships, and build a...
1 week ago
Head of R&D and Scientific Strategy, Rare Disease
$175K - $210K *
Lead the R&D and scientific strategy efforts to create innovative solutions that drive collaboration and value across functional teams and with customers, enhancing the organizational scientific reput...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Service Systems, Infrastructure and Analytics Manager
$134K - $192K *
Lead the design and optimization of global service systems and analytics, driving operational excellence and customer success. Collaborate across departments to implement scalable solutions that enhan...
4 weeks ago
Senior Procurement IT Category Manager
$165K - $190K *
Champion strategic IT procurement initiatives, driving cost reductions and optimizing software agreements. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance efficiency and ensure compliance while managing con...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Systems Analyst - Workday Time & Absence Implementation Lead / Project Manager
$110K - $130K *
Advance Workday Time Tracking and Absence implementations by leading project workstreams, configuring solutions, and coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver scalable HR technology solutions tha...
Today
Staff Product Manager, BioPharma Platforms
$146K - $224K *
Elevate clinical development by leading the strategy for biopharma platforms. Drive product lifecycles, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure compliance while transforming workflows into...
Reposted 2 days ago
Executive Director, HEOR Modeling
$175K - $210K *
Unlock potential by leading HEOR strategy and AI integration, ensuring project success and client satisfaction. Drive business growth, mentor teams, and influence health policy through innovative rese...
1 week ago
$210K - $250K *
Join a team that's redefining commercial leadership in bioanalytical services. Drive growth by shaping global strategies, enhancing customer partnerships, and building a high-performing commercial org...
Yesterday
Member of Technical Staff, AI Researcher (New Stealth Startup)
$250K - $400K *
Shape the future of AI by designing evaluation frameworks and feedback systems that enhance model performance. Collaborate across teams to translate research into scalable solutions, driving impactful...
2 weeks ago
Sales Manager - Australia/New Zealand Market
$100K - $120K *
Accelerate sales growth by leading strategies and initiatives across the ANZ market. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to drive customer engagement, develop market strategies, and achieve reve...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Technical Marketing Manager, AI
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by driving AI security marketing initiatives, creating demos, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product visibility and adoption. Serve as the technical voice fo...
1 week ago
Senior Principal, Industry Coverage & Advisory (Manufacturing & Clean Tech)
$300K - $500K *
Pioneer innovative solutions in clean energy finance, building strategic relationships with manufacturers and clean tech clients. Leverage expertise to advise on capital structures and drive impactful...
Today
$140K - $180K *
Lead your career with a strategic role managing complex OEM accounts, driving growth through cross-functional collaboration and disciplined execution. Own customer relationships and deliver impactful...
2 days ago
Safety & EHS Director - Project Farma
$149K - $172K *
Lead the charge in shaping and executing EHS strategies across the Americas, ensuring compliance and fostering a proactive safety culture while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance pro...
1 week ago
Director of Technology & Product
$115K - $135K *
Innovate technology strategy and operations, leading a team to enhance product lifecycle and client solutions. Collaborate with executives to implement AI tools and ensure effective vendor management...
1 week ago
Lead Bioinformatics Scientist (Oncology)
$130K - $163K *
Champion the analytical validation of NGS assays, driving real-world evidence studies and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance oncology applications and support regulatory submissions...
1 week ago
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.