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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$90K *

Empower research labs by delivering expert technical support and training in ultrasound and photoacoustic technology. Drive product value through hands-on demonstrations, innovative training sessions...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$240K - $300K *

Transform the landscape of AI in Intellectual Property by leading a global team to innovate and implement cutting-edge data science solutions that drive business value and operational excellence...

Alexandria, VARemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $146K *

Accelerate growth by leading customer consultations and technical sales support in biopharmaceutical production. Collaborate with teams to develop strategies that drive business objectives and enhance...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$137K - $182K *

Architect and drive AI-powered applications for drug development, focusing on protocol generation and clinical trials. Lead technical direction, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance while fostering...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in delivering complex renewable energy projects, ensuring safety, quality, and budget adherence. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to drive project success from development through...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$200K - $220K *

Empower the future of financial operations by mastering money movement, ensuring seamless transactions and transparency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product success and enhance cl...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $150K *

Pioneer the future of HR technology by leading cross-functional teams to define and deliver innovative solutions in Global Mobility and Talent Management, ensuring alignment across stakeholders and se...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $115K *

Champion integrated media strategies for pharmaceutical clients, driving engagement and measurable outcomes. Lead cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that address complex healthcare...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $120K *

Accelerate progress at the intersection of media and healthcare by leading integrated planning and strategy for pharmaceutical clients. Drive impactful engagement initiatives while mentoring a talente...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $105K *

Manage the feasibility study process by adapting surveys, ensuring quality checks, and monitoring site engagement. Collaborate with teams to execute strategies and maintain effective communication thr...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Empower growth by leading business development in the protein diagnostics market. Build strategic partnerships, engage customers, and drive revenue through innovative market strategies and collaborati...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $230K *

Empower innovation by leading product strategy for hematologic malignancies. Collaborate across teams to drive market entry, clinical support, and evidence generation for cutting-edge diagnostics in a...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $195K *

Elevate healthcare marketing by transforming complex science into impactful strategies. Lead multidisciplinary teams to inspire creativity, drive behavior change, and build trusted client relationship...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$87K - $124K *

Transform product development by leading multidisciplinary teams in designing innovative medical and commercial solutions. Engage in all phases from concept to validation, ensuring quality and complia...

Norwell, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $190K *

Join a team that's transforming clinical trials through advanced data science. Drive the development of predictive models and machine learning algorithms to enhance patient enrollment and trial manage...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Engage with cross-functional teams to drive AI security product marketing initiatives, focusing on buyer insights, competitive analysis, and effective sales enablement. Collaborate on launches and con...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading the design and implementation of complex software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical decisions and mentor engineers, ensuring scalable...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$120K - $130K *

Drive the design and implementation of complex software solutions, providing technical leadership and mentorship. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system architecture and ensure high...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$80K - $135K *

Advance educational research by analyzing data and synthesizing findings to enhance student access to advanced courses. Collaborate with stakeholders to design studies, build dashboards, and communica...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$83K - $116K *

Tackle complex technical challenges by delivering exceptional field support for bioprocessing products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer satisfaction and drive service excel...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$265K - $300K *

Shape the future of healthcare technology by leading architectural direction and driving high-impact solutions across teams. Collaborate closely with engineering, product, and design to enhance our AI...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $135K *

Advance your career by leading product strategy for workforce solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, ensuring products meet market needs and deliver value to diverse s...

Iowa City, IARemote

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$160K - $175K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of scalable analytics solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance data-driven decision-making and mentor teams in analytics engineerin...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Support commercial engineering efforts by generating proposals, process designs, and managing project tasks. Collaborate with sales teams and vendors to enhance project success across various water tr...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Engineer innovative manufacturing processes and lead trials to evaluate new materials and products. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive commercialization and provide technical training and support...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

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.