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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$180K - $212K *

Pioneer innovative IAM strategies to enhance security across cloud and on-premise infrastructures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement robust identity governance and access management...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$121K - $161K *

Drive regulatory excellence by managing submissions, guiding teams, and ensuring compliance. Utilize your expertise to support global projects and foster collaboration in a fast-paced environment focu...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $240K *

Champion the design and engineering of a cutting-edge perfusion system, leading a team to innovate and scale operations while ensuring quality and reliability in medical device manufacturing...

New Haven, CTRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in total rewards management, overseeing payroll and benefits operations while enhancing employee experience through effective process improvements and cross-functional collaboration...

Dallas, TXRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$280K - $300K *

Shape the future of clinical supply management by leading strategy and execution for transformative therapies. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure timely delivery of investigational products, whi...

Boston, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $193K *

Join a high-impact team as you lead and coach TPMs and RTEs, ensuring successful technical program delivery and Agile execution across complex projects, while fostering collaboration and continuous im...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $159K *

Make your mark at the forefront of innovation as a Senior Technical Project Manager, overseeing proposal development, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring successful project execu...

Delaware, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$175K - $210K *

Lead pioneering evidence generation initiatives to inform oncology product strategies and lifecycle management through cross-functional collaboration and data-driven decision-making...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $230K *

Drive strategic growth and innovation in AI-enabled assessment and workforce solutions. Lead high-impact projects, foster collaboration, and enhance AIR's national leadership in education and workforc...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Transform the SAP sales landscape by leveraging your extensive network and expertise to drive new business acquisition in the manufacturing sector. Own the full sales cycle, from lead generation to cl...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $130K *

Transform your career by designing and delivering complex full-stack solutions using Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate with teams to enhance engineering quality and lead technical initiative...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

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

$161K - $190K *

Transform the digital commerce experience by owning a high-velocity experimentation roadmap. Collaborate across teams to enhance customer journeys, improve conversion rates, and establish a robust exp...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$162K - $243K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical trials through strategic oversight and collaboration. Lead project management efforts globally, ensuring quality, cost, and timeline objectives are m...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$139K - $209K *

Elevate your career by leveraging scientific expertise to drive sales growth in the life sciences sector. Collaborate with customers to align their research needs with innovative solutions, fostering...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Engage in clinical monitoring and site management, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations. Collaborate with investigational sites to maintain data integrity and audit readiness while manag...

North Carolina, USRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Drive clinical monitoring excellence by ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations. Collaborate with investigational sites to enhance data integrity and subject safety while managing documenta...

North Carolina, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$225K - $281K *

Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of oncology research! This key role involves designing and leading clinical trials, ensuring data integrity, and collaborating with global experts to advance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $113K *

Engage in clinical monitoring and site management, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations. Collaborate with investigative sites and internal teams to uphold data integrity and subject safe...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $100K *

Deliver advanced field service support for Promega instrumentation, ensuring installation, training, and repairs meet customer service standards. Collaborate with teams to enhance service documentatio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $210K *

Lead the execution of energy infrastructure investments, managing complex programs from development to delivery. Drive governance, cross-functional coordination, and external partnerships to ensure ti...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$155K - $205K *

Champion process excellence by optimizing workflows and driving cross-functional improvements. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate service quality throu...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$172K - $232K *

Lead the GCP Inspection Management team to ensure inspection readiness and compliance. Oversee strategy development, cross-functional collaboration, and risk mitigation for successful regulatory inspe...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$155K - $210K *

Lead complex programs and strategic client engagements, driving technology transformation and sustainable business value. Act as a trusted adviser to C-level stakeholders, shaping program vision and e...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $170K *

Lead engineering efforts by writing production code and mentoring a team. Drive modernization initiatives through Java microservices while managing performance and growth of engineers. Collaborate wit...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive execution of complex technical initiatives, translating business vision into actionable programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with company objectives and measurab...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.