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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$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

$76K - $199K *

Drive your career with a dynamic role focused on sales growth and customer engagement in the healthcare sector. Utilize your analytical skills and product knowledge to develop strategies that enhance...

Florida, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $165K *

Lead clinical data management efforts by overseeing project timelines, ensuring quality deliverables, and facilitating communication among stakeholders. Drive data integrity and compliance while mento...

Bridgewater, NJRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that shapes global regulatory strategy in a fast-paced environment. You will lead comprehensive regulatory plans, ensuring alignment and execution from development to post-marketing, impac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Transform clinical operations by leading a dynamic team, ensuring high-quality trial management, and driving innovation through technology and AI solutions. Your strategic oversight will enhance perfo...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $95K *

Drive the end-to-end delivery of complex curriculum projects, collaborating across teams to ensure high-quality outcomes that meet business and learner needs while managing risks and stakeholder expec...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

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

$129K - $231K *

Elevate nonclinical toxicology operations by managing study execution, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration across teams to advance innovative therapies for sleep-wake disorders. Drive acc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $243K *

Transform product innovation by leading AI-driven strategies and experiments, collaborating across teams to enhance software solutions and improve employee experiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environ...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in program management excellence, ensuring seamless operations and compliance across diverse teams while supporting critical Air Force contract initiatives and rapid-response readiness...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$84K - $187K *

Unlock potential by partnering with engineering and finance teams to drive financial strategy, optimize investments, and deliver actionable insights that enhance product performance and operational ef...

Nashville, TNRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $160K *

Empower your career by designing and building automated solutions for software integration and deployment. Collaborate across teams to create a structured knowledge base and enhance software managemen...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $185K *

Unlock growth through consultative sales in clinical research. Collaborate with biotech leaders to enhance global health by managing strategic accounts and delivering innovative solutions that advance...

California, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K *

Drive the transition to clean energy by leading advocacy for western wholesale electricity market development. Collaborate with utilities and policymakers to shape an efficient market strategy that su...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career with a pivotal role in clinical research, leading oncology studies and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure scientific excellence and regulatory compliance while m...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Engage in early-stage drug discovery by triaging research requests, managing CRO partnerships, and ensuring seamless execution of outsourced projects. Leverage scientific expertise and Mandarin fluenc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of digital transformation by leading a dynamic team to deliver innovative solutions that enhance business efficiency and customer experience across multi-functional AWS programs...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$211K - $264K *

Transform learning experiences by leading the strategy and operations of our enterprise learning technology ecosystem, ensuring effective governance and seamless integration across platforms to enhanc...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $222K *

Lead clinical site management teams through project lifecycle, ensuring effective monitoring and communication. Drive project deliverables, budget management, and sponsor engagement to achieve impactf...

Durham, NCRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $172K *

Transform cutting-edge remote sensing technologies through collaborative research, algorithm development, and sensor data analysis. Contribute to innovative projects while shaping future research dire...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Champion integrated project management for complex pharmaceutical advertising, leading cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery within scope and budget while mentoring junior staff and enhanci...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Drive operational excellence by leading clinical teams, ensuring effective training, resource allocation, and performance management. Collaborate with senior management to enhance project delivery and...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Transform complex customer implementations into seamless successes by owning the delivery lifecycle, driving technical discussions, and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction from kickoff to go-live. Your...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Drive project delivery excellence by architecting frameworks, managing resources, and synchronizing teams. Lead cross-functional initiatives, optimize processes, and mentor project managers to ensure...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$203K - $305K *

Transform regulatory intelligence by leading a global strategy that identifies and implements evolving regulatory requirements across diverse healthcare sectors, ensuring compliance and strategic alig...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $139K *

Join a team that's driving growth by expanding biopharma collaborations. You'll identify opportunities, negotiate agreements, and manage partnerships to enhance market share and revenue, contributing...

RemoteRemote

2 days 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.