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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$108K - $130K *

Unlock the potential of our data governance program by managing the MDM platform, ensuring data integrity, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive actionable insights across our expandi...

Jacksonville, FLRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$110K - $130K *

Empower business growth by leveraging your scientific expertise and sales acumen. Drive client engagement and forge strategic alliances in the US and Asia, delivering tailored solutions that enhance b...

Milford, MARemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $190K *

Lead the technical direction of a strategic customer program, overseeing all phases from concept to volume ramp. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product delivery while mai...

New Hampshire, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading complex water treatment projects. As a Project Manager, you'll guide a skilled team, ensuring project success from initiation to completion while maintaining quality...

Oakville, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$117K - $201K *

Advance the field of epidemiology by designing and executing real-world evidence studies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address evidence gaps and support product lifecycle needs, ensuring...

West Chester, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Contribute to the vision and strategy of AI-powered products, managing their lifecycle and delivery. Leverage AI tools for decision-making and mentor fellow Product Managers to enhance team capabiliti...

New York, NYRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Champion the vision and strategy for AI-powered products, driving their roadmap and delivery while mentoring peers. Leverage AI tools to enhance decision-making and product lifecycle management, ensur...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$192K - $357K *

Champion the development and execution of a comprehensive security strategy for Product and AI Security, ensuring integration of secure-by-design principles across the product lifecycle while leading...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $180K *

Transform user experiences by developing innovative web applications with cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create exceptional battery analytics software for leadin...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $180K *

Join the Platform Engineering Team to design and implement innovative solutions across infrastructure, data, and security platforms, leveraging modern technologies to enhance efficiency and security i...

Austin, TXRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Contribute to impactful consulting services in government pricing, leveraging your expertise to guide clients through compliance, data analysis, and strategic initiatives while leading a collaborative...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $225K *

Lead the charge in multidisciplinary engineering and design management for a large-scale industrial infrastructure project, ensuring compliance with technical standards and client expectations through...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$200K - $290K *

Contribute to the advancement of cancer therapies by managing analytical development and quality control operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and collaborating across teams to en...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Empower strategic sourcing and category management to enhance supplier performance, mitigate risks, and drive value across the aerospace and defense supply chain while collaborating with diverse stake...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $95K *

Join as a critical team member to manage and enhance productivity platforms, ensuring stability, security, and user satisfaction. Collaborate across teams to drive operational maturity and navigate co...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$180K - $200K *

Advance your career by embedding within client teams to deliver impactful AI solutions. Collaborate closely with stakeholders, tackle real-world challenges, and drive innovation in production environm...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$124K - $170K *

Lead the charge in innovative software solutions for healthcare, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance patient care and meet customer needs through cutting-edge technology and creative problem-s...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$172K - $202K *

Lead the charge in delivering impactful research and insights in analytics and AI. Collaborate with clients to identify needs, drive strategies, and produce high-quality content that shapes market tre...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead strategic initiatives by managing complex projects from inception to launch. Collaborate across teams to implement new markets and contracts, ensuring compliance and operational readiness in a dy...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$172K - $215K *

Drive clinical development strategies for early cancer detection, overseeing rigorous study design and execution. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure high-quality data delivery that impacts patien...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Unlock product potential by leading the development of innovative food safety solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address complex industry challenges and drive scalable product strat...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $120K *

Transform creative performance analysis by owning insights and recommendations for high-stakes accounts. Collaborate across teams to enhance workflows and drive impactful results in a fully remote env...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$176K - $236K *

Lead the charge in global regulatory project management, driving oncology strategies and submissions across regions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and timely market acce...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the execution of complex projects, ensuring adherence to policies, quality standards, and financial targets. Drive team development and process improvements while managing stakeholder relations a...

Austin, TXRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$182K - $252K *

Champion data-driven decision-making by leveraging deep analytics expertise to guide product, marketing, and finance leaders. Drive strategic insights and build innovative tools that enhance business...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 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.