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 *

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...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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...

Cary, NCRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Boston, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Richardson, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$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...

Philadelphia, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

North Carolina, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

CanadaRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Greensboro, NCRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.