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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$140K - $175K *

Empower scientific innovation by collaborating within product pods to develop and evaluate real-world evidence agents. Drive impactful research and ensure scientific rigor while partnering with indust...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$179K - $212K *

Champion innovative biologics by leveraging deep CMC expertise in cell and gene therapy. Collaborate across teams to drive technical strategies, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance while mentor...

Waltham, MARemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Drive the planning and execution of complex therapeutic programs from discovery to clinic. Serve as a senior program management partner, ensuring successful execution and alignment across cross-functi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$144K - $189K *

Unlock potential by leading product innovation in clinical genomics. Shape tools for case management and data workflows, ensuring efficiency and quality while collaborating with lab directors and engi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $171K *

Champion the delivery of complex clinical projects, ensuring quality, time, and cost objectives are met. Lead cross-functional teams, manage client expectations, and drive risk resolution while foster...

Cambridge, MARemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $100K *

Transform software delivery by managing cross-functional teams, aligning sprints, and optimizing project timelines. Drive clarity in processes and foster collaboration to ensure successful product exe...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $235K *

Drive product excellence by owning the lifecycle and security of high-performance client SaaS platforms hosted on AWS. Lead a dedicated team to optimize operations, ensure compliance, and deliver seam...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $235K *

Transform enterprise-scale projects by leading cross-functional teams to deliver integrated bioprocess solutions. Drive project execution, governance, and talent development while ensuring customer sa...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$183K - $215K *

Shape the future of North American inland transportation by leading product strategy and development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable insights and drive market success in...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $125K *

Champion the development of healthcare marketing tools by guiding cross-functional teams through the product lifecycle, driving innovative features and optimizing user experiences to enhance HCP engag...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading complex projects, ensuring quality and timely delivery while managing cross-functional teams and customer expectations with minimal direction. Drive financial stewardshi...

North Carolina, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$157K - $197K *

Unlock potential by driving revenue growth through new customer acquisition and market expansion. This strategic role focuses on building executive relationships, executing targeted penetration strate...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$105K - $120K *

Drive impactful research initiatives by leading complex projects, mentoring teams, and securing new business opportunities. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to deliver high-quality evaluations an...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $125K *

Engage your passion for chemistry as you drive sales success by collaborating with teams, conducting demos, and providing insights to elevate product offerings and enhance customer engagement, all whi...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $206K *

Contribute to innovative research by leveraging advanced mass spectrometry to uncover biological insights and drive drug discovery. Collaborate across disciplines to develop impactful therapeutic moda...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$141K - $196K *

Unlock potential by developing causal machine-learning models to optimize customer offers, analyzing complex data, and translating findings into actionable strategies for enhanced conversion rates acr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$177K - $338K *

Champion DMPK project leadership by ensuring high-quality data delivery and supporting drug candidate progression through innovative modeling and cross-functional collaboration in a dynamic biotech en...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advancing transformative biomedical research initiatives. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, execute, and manage innovative programs that enhance health outcomes t...

Washington DC, USRemote

3 days ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining enterprise data management by leading cross-functional initiatives, ensuring data reliability, and driving strategic insights through advanced program management and tech...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$230K - $280K *

Champion analytical development by leading strategy and execution for pipeline products. Drive compliance and quality control while building a high-performing team in a dynamic environment focused on...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Unlock potential by conducting chemical risk assessments and evaluations of health effects from toxic exposures. Collaborate with a dedicated team to provide expert toxicology support and communicate...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$155K - $197K *

Innovate as a Tech Lead, driving architectural evolution and engineering execution for a global web platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance digital experiences through advanced AI...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Elevate research initiatives by leading projects on deception detection and model monitoring. Collaborate across teams to scale findings into practical methods, ensuring reliability and effectiveness...

Berkeley, CARemote

2 days ago

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

$104K - $156K *

Transform customer engagement by providing expert technical support and training in advanced analytical instrumentation. Collaborate across teams to optimize applications and drive scientific breakthr...

Waltham, MARemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $220K *

Drive the end-to-end ML and LLM lifecycle, optimizing AI workflows and automations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure scalable, reliable production of AI-driven solutions while impleme...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.