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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$130K - $155K *

Lead the AI/ML product strategy across multiple business units, driving integration and data-centric solutions that enhance customer value and revenue growth through innovative workflows and collabora...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software development by leading projects, mentoring engineers, and architecting innovative solutions that enhance performance and meet business goals in a coll...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $160K *

Shape the future of regulatory affairs by optimizing systems and workflows, ensuring compliance, and supporting global submissions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain data integrity a...

Durham, NCRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$122K *

Champion clinical excellence by leading large teams, ensuring strategic alignment, and driving patient recruitment while mitigating risks in clinical operations for successful study execution...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role in CMC regulatory affairs, ensuring compliance for biologics and small molecules. Collaborate across teams to prepare high-quality submissions and strategies, imp...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Elevate quality standards by leading cGMP compliance in pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring best practices through collaboration across teams to uphold regulatory integrity and continuous improveme...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$185K - $297K *

Lead the execution of innovative onboarding strategies, driving customer success through insights and support resolution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product utilization and def...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead high-impact, cross-functional technical programs, translating business vision into structured execution. Drive Agile practices, enhance team efficiency, and ensure alignment with company objectiv...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$117K - $146K *

Elevate technical execution across utility-scale renewable energy projects, ensuring safe, on-time, and on-budget delivery. Lead project governance, interface with stakeholders, and drive continuous i...

Charlottesville, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$88K - $125K *

Unlock potential by leveraging advanced analytics and consultative skills to drive client success in the Consumer Healthcare vitamins sector. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver insights and fos...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer innovative AI solutions by designing autonomous agents that enhance manufacturing workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data pipelines and drive impactful results in a...

Idaho Falls, IDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$191K - $247K *

Develop and oversee advanced capabilities in Commercial Learning & Development, driving strategy, implementation, and continuous improvement to enhance field performance and support business objective...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Champion the successful delivery of clinical trials by leading cross-functional teams, managing resources, and ensuring projects meet quality, timelines, and budget expectations while fostering strong...

Quebec, CARemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in optimizing top-of-funnel marketing operations, driving measurable pipeline growth through strategic planning, data governance, and team leadership. Collaborate with cross-functional...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$214K - $292K *

Champion AI-driven portfolio strategies and lead comprehensive reporting initiatives to enhance decision-making and optimize performance across cross-functional teams in a hybrid role focused on innov...

New Jersey, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$249K - $336K *

Lead the charge in transforming research through innovative digital technology and data strategies. Drive scientific excellence by enhancing workflows and data products, ensuring Research teams have t...

South San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$268K - $302K *

Lead strategic clinical pharmacology initiatives, guiding drug development from early to late stages. Collaborate cross-functionally, ensuring robust pharmacological strategies and regulatory complian...

Cambridge, MARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $95K *

Transform client relationships by leading strategic projects, ensuring quality and alignment across teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive success and meet client expectations while fostering g...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $180K *

Unlock the potential of AI in immunology by collaborating with experts to develop benchmark datasets that evaluate AI agents' reasoning capabilities in biological contexts. Drive innovation and contri...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$201K - $251K *

Champion Quality governance by leading the development and management of Quality Agreements across global operations, ensuring compliance and effective partnerships with internal and external stakehol...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $215K *

Architect innovative solutions to complex technical challenges, driving platform direction and enabling deep specialists. You'll tackle high-leverage problems that define our future capabilities and e...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion a culture of safety and compliance by leading EHS initiatives across operations, ensuring regulatory adherence, and driving continuous improvement to protect team members and enhance organiza...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$200K - $270K *

Join a team pioneering AI/ML platform engineering, enhancing scalable infrastructure to empower scientific innovation. Shape the future of distributed systems and MLOps, collaborating across teams to...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$285K - $325K *

Drive transformational patient impact by leading cross-functional teams and executing strategic drug development programs in an agile environment. Foster collaboration and accountability to deliver in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$102K - $108K *

Advance ocean science by connecting stakeholders and managing partnerships. Lead the Coastal Acidification Network, coordinate international collaborations, and mentor future ocean science professiona...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 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.