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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$95K - $115K *

Analyze and lead forensic investigations, collaborating with teams to uncover and report on cyber incidents. Utilize advanced tools and frameworks to identify threats, ensuring clear communication of...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $241K *

Lead the charge in advancing robotic-enabled joint solutions by guiding technical direction, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring successful commercialization of innovative medical d...

Boston, MARemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive impactful global clinical trials as a Project Manager, leading cross-functional teams to ensure project delivery on time, within budget, and to quality standards while managing vendor relationsh...

North Carolina, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Manage customer escalations and coordinate resolution efforts across teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure timely issue resolution and maintain strong relationships, driving governance and co...

Oregon, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $190K *

Transform data into actionable insights by leading a team of data scientists and analysts. Drive advanced analytics initiatives, foster collaboration with stakeholders, and ensure high-quality deliver...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$128K - $254K *

Transform clinical trial management by leading complex Phase I–IV studies, ensuring alignment with client expectations while fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to achieve project s...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Elevate financial operations by providing strategic expertise and support across multiple teams, driving improvements in forecasting, compliance, and reporting while enhancing operational efficiency t...

South Carolina, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $244K *

Unlock your potential as a Global Regulatory Leader, driving regulatory strategy and submissions for CNS projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance w...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $169K *

Elevate product strategy and commercialization for optical solutions, aligning customer needs with market trends. Collaborate across teams to drive growth and ensure product success in the semiconduct...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $140K *

Pioneer GxP compliance in digital quality management, ensuring software and AI products meet regulatory standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance quality processes and support audits, drivin...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Lead the scientific direction for our forecasting platform, guiding teams to enhance demand forecasting accuracy and scalability. This hands-on role requires deep expertise in time-series analysis and...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$185K - $344K *

Transform analytics modernization and productivity by leading strategy, governance, and process evolution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance workflows, drive AI adoption, and optimize...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $222K *

Deliver impactful leadership by managing multi-discipline nuclear projects, ensuring alignment across teams, and guiding successful execution from design to closeout while maintaining client relations...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$144K - $211K *

Lead the charge in managing complex Industrial Controls workstreams, ensuring seamless execution of NPI programs. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative automation solutions on time and within...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$162K - $243K *

Shape the future of clinical research by leading cross-functional teams to optimize project delivery, ensuring quality and compliance while managing resources and budgets effectively across global cli...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $105K *

Collaborate with clients and teams to manage projects, expectations, and delivery, ensuring high standards and strategic growth in a fast-paced medical affairs environment. Leverage experience to iden...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Champion the development of policy strategies that guide product decisions, ensuring compliance and safety while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tr...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$139K - $209K *

Join a team that's shaping strategic direction and driving execution across markets. This hands-on role requires analytical credibility and strong relationships to influence decisions and achieve meas...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$108K - $130K *

Shape the future of remediation services by leading CWM projects for federal clients. Collaborate with experts to develop strategies, manage budgets, and ensure quality in field operations while drivi...

Huntsville, ALRemote

1 week ago

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

$152K - $225K *

Develop your career by leading the end-to-end lifecycle of Supply Planning applications. Collaborate with teams to drive product vision, mentor staff, and ensure high-quality delivery while influencin...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative instrumentation and controls solutions for mining projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor staff, and engage clients to drive project success...

Denver, CORemote

Yesterday

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

$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to architect scalable AI solutions in healthcare, enhancing patient communication and safety. Lead cross-team projects, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in AI engineering pra...

Orlando, FLRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $190K *

Lead the charge in designing and optimizing scalable data pipelines using Azure, PySpark, and Airflow. Collaborate with teams to ensure data quality and performance while mentoring engineers and drivi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$153K - $189K *

Champion innovative clinical programming solutions to enhance trial efficiency and data quality. Lead statistical analysis and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while collaborating with cros...

Seattle, WARemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$172K - $205K *

Transform data into actionable insights to optimize the insurance business. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience and drive revenue growth through advanced analytics a...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.