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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$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

$94K - $142K *

Champion enterprise growth by identifying and advancing strategic opportunities across healthcare networks. Build relationships with key stakeholders to develop impactful business cases and partnershi...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$325K - $343K *

Lead the charge in shaping the product vision and strategy for consumer panel and behavioral measurement solutions, driving growth through innovative AI-native practices and client collaboration...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$128K - $185K *

Unlock potential by driving strategic initiatives through data analysis, market research, and project support. Collaborate across teams to enhance growth opportunities while managing the diligence pro...

Waltham, MARemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $110K *

Discover user needs and drive product decisions as a UX Researcher, collaborating with cross-functional teams to conduct research, usability studies, and synthesize insights that enhance user experien...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$177K - $221K *

Optimize patient access by leading cross-functional initiatives, managing operational priorities, and driving accountability for results in a dynamic healthcare environment. Collaborate with stakehold...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$172K - $258K *

Shape the future of enterprise technology by leading complex, cross-functional programs. Drive ERP transformations, SaaS implementations, and infrastructure projects while ensuring governance and deli...

Waukesha, WIRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$85K - $125K *

Shape compliance strategies across hardware and biotech sectors, ensuring products meet global regulatory standards and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions and main...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$105K - $120K *

Empower healthcare professionals by engaging remotely with cardiologists, nephrologists, and primary care providers. Drive sales and support efforts in open territories while delivering a consistent e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $195K *

Unlock your potential as you drive product success in the genomics field. Collaborate across teams to advocate for customers, define market needs, and launch innovative products that shape the future...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$86K - $146K *

Champion customer success by managing key accounts, driving growth, and enhancing satisfaction through strategic engagement and consultative support. Leverage your expertise to mentor peers and execut...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$93K - $120K *

Transform business intelligence into actionable insights by leading product strategy and development. Collaborate across teams to create scalable solutions that enhance decision-making and drive measu...

Minnesota, USRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving growth in the biopharmaceutical sector by developing strategic business relationships, prospecting new clients, and leading sales initiatives to achieve organizational objec...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of Quality Control laboratories by providing technical oversight for startup, validation, and compliance across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring operational...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Empower a high-performing sales team to drive strategic growth and customer engagement in the biopharma sector. Lead complex sales initiatives, build executive relationships, and translate business st...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$153K - $213K *

Drive efficiency by automating internal processes, enhancing productivity across teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify bottlenecks, implement AI solutions, and ensure measurable impact on w...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$134K - $224K *

Shape the future of clinical research technology by leading cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that enhance user experience and drive operational excellence in global clinical tria...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Lead Corporate FP&A initiatives, driving budgeting, forecasting, and performance management. Oversee financial analysis and reporting while enhancing systems and dashboards for improved decision-makin...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer a data-driven future by leading product strategy for data science solutions. Drive innovation, oversee development, and ensure alignment with business goals to deliver impactful analytics prod...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$134K - $201K *

Design and engineer identity governance solutions to ensure secure access across diverse environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement standards, automate workflows, and maintain...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion innovative research in clinical assessments, leading product development and strategy across multiple domains. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate scientific evidence into im...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

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

$105K - $150K *

Transform healthcare insights by leading client engagements with real-world data. Drive business development and project delivery while building long-term client relationships in a dynamic, hybrid wor...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$109K - $164K *

Drive advanced digital forensics and incident response initiatives while mentoring a skilled engineering team. Leverage deep technical knowledge to enhance operational capabilities and ensure exceptio...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Transform your career by leading a dynamic team to ensure clinical excellence across multiple regions, driving project success through strategic management and collaboration while fostering a culture...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.