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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$110K - $130K *

Lead complex, cross-functional marketing initiatives from planning to execution, driving accountability and collaboration across teams while enhancing project management processes and methodologies fo...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $165K *

Drive impactful clinical research strategies by collaborating with cross-functional teams, analyzing data, and disseminating findings through publications and presentations. Elevate your career while...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$173K - $290K *

Join a team that's redefining strategic research by tackling complex, ambiguous challenges. Collaborate with product, design, and engineering leaders to shape impactful insights that drive business de...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$130K - $160K *

Lead all HR functions in a dynamic biotech environment, enhancing employee experience and compliance while driving scalable processes and supporting leadership. Engage with teams to foster growth and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $185K *

Unlock potential by leading global product strategies that drive growth and innovation. Collaborate cross-functionally to prioritize customer needs, enhance product performance, and support internatio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical outcomes, architecting production systems, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive innovation and ensure operational excelle...

Florida, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's driving strategic sourcing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, and optimizing procurement processes to deliver significant value across multiple categories in a dynamic en...

Leola, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead quality oversight for drug manufacturing, ensuring compliance with cGMPs. Collaborate with vendors on batch record review and product disposition for global clinical programs, thriving in a dynam...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$72K - $110K *

Champion environmental project success by managing scopes, schedules, and budgets. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and clients to deliver high-quality solutions while mentoring junior staff...

Edmonton, ABRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Drive project success as a Global Lead Project Manager, overseeing cross-functional teams to ensure timely, quality delivery of clinical trials while managing customer expectations and financial stewa...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$104K - $141K *

Lead the charge in transforming Human Genetics strategy into actionable plans, ensuring measurable progress across R&D. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align priorities and drive successful...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $200K *

Unlock potential by transforming workflows and enhancing team capabilities through AI. Collaborate across departments to implement innovative solutions that streamline operations and drive sustained a...

CanadaRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $160K *

Unlock potential by leading complex federal contract negotiations and management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance and driving strategic solutions to support business growt...

Alabama, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Oversee large-scale Federal contracts, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment. Leverage expertise in negotiation and federal regulations to enhance program execution, drive business growth, and e...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$300K - $350K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in early clinical development. Lead cross-functional strategies and execution for a high-priority program, ensuring alignment and decision-making to advance a pot...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Drive clinical data management excellence by leading strategies, ensuring data integrity, and collaborating across functions to support successful clinical trials and regulatory submissions in a dynam...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining regulatory excellence by leading global strategies for product development and post-marketing. Drive cross-functional collaboration and ensure timely execution of regulat...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $190K *

Empower your career by partnering with the Science Leadership Team to drive strategic initiatives, enhance operational effectiveness, and translate scientific vision into impactful outcomes across div...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$127K - $203K *

Champion the AI Center of Excellence by managing the roadmap, prioritizing initiatives, and ensuring alignment with corporate goals. Drive stakeholder engagement and deliver measurable business outcom...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$242K - $403K *

Lead global companion diagnostics strategy, integrating diagnostic plans with clinical development and regulatory objectives. Drive execution across therapeutic programs, ensuring alignment with patie...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $185K *

Unlock potential by designing and deploying AI systems that enhance translational science, enabling evidence-based recommendations for drug discovery and target validation through innovative technolog...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$128K - $184K *

Empower sales growth by driving strategic account management and territory development in the biopharmaceutical sector, fostering relationships and delivering innovative solutions to enhance client su...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$146K - $180K *

Advance your career by leading innovative bioinformatics projects focused on machine learning for early cancer detection. Collaborate with experts to develop cutting-edge methods and mentor a dynamic...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's shaping evidence strategies and insights in health economics and outcomes research. Lead client engagements, oversee analytics, and drive impactful decision-making in biopharma and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $100K *

Join our dynamic team as a Technical Delivery Manager, overseeing AI-driven project delivery across diverse digital platforms. Ensure timely, high-quality outputs while leveraging innovative technolog...

RemoteRemote

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.