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 - $195K *

Accelerate advertiser impact measurement by leading incrementality studies and analytics. Collaborate cross-functionally to refine methodologies and translate insights into actionable strategies for c...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$190K - $240K *

Transform the Human Data Trial lifecycle by leading product vision and execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions, mentor junior members, and drive impactful da...

New Haven, CTRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Empower growth by driving sales of lab supplies and diagnostics. Build strong customer relationships, develop strategic sales plans, and ensure market penetration while achieving sales forecasts in a...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $160K *

Drive impactful software solutions by collaborating with sales teams, leading demos, and managing technical inquiries. Leverage your expertise to enhance customer experiences and support enterprise tr...

San Diego, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$150K - $180K *

Drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence across a global portfolio, partnering with leadership to enhance business performance and deliver measurable outcomes in oncology and rare diseas...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $140K *

Empower the R&D organization by leading technology strategy, engineering execution, and team development across a diverse healthcare software portfolio, ensuring alignment with market needs and operat...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $180K *

Transform infrastructure operations by leading technical strategy and architecture. Collaborate with executives and teams to design secure, scalable solutions across data centers and cloud environment...

San Diego, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$223K - $293K *

Transform the future of R&D by leading digital product strategy and execution, enhancing study budget management and resource forecasting through innovative technology solutions and cross-functional c...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $225K *

Elevate the future of AI systems by architecting LLM-powered workflows that enhance customer interactions, ensuring security and performance while guiding teams through complex challenges and deliveri...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$105K - $125K *

Join as a hands-on analytics specialist, leveraging Amazon data to drive insights and support decision-making for clients. Collaborate with teams to optimize performance and enhance reporting across v...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$133K - $190K *

Innovate in machine learning and AI by conducting research on large-scale models, developing methodologies, and collaborating with teams to enhance personalization systems and user experiences...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$105K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading hydrogeology and environmental projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex groundwater challenges, ensuring technical excellence and client sati...

Denver, CORemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$207K - $277K *

Lead the charge in enhancing global ERP delivery excellence, driving governance, quality, and continuous improvement across teams. Foster collaboration and optimize resource utilization to ensure pred...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Champion regulatory strategy initiatives to advance patient treatments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop regulatory pathways, support agency engagement, and ensure compliance, all wh...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Lead the technical direction for inhaled dry powder products, ensuring product performance and manufacturability while collaborating with cross-functional teams to navigate development and regulatory...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in advancing AI applications in healthcare by developing intelligent agents that uncover financial opportunities within complex datasets, transforming manual analyses into scalable wor...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Transform your career by leading AI initiatives that drive business growth and operational efficiency. Collaborate across functions to embed AI into Rho's core operations, shaping a future where AI en...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$130K - $160K *

Reimagine business improvement strategies as a senior contributor, leading high-impact initiatives across functions. Drive alignment, governance, and measurable outcomes while influencing stakeholders...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$67K - $101K *

Join a dynamic team to provide scientific support and training for cell therapy solutions. Build relationships with customers, optimize workflows, and collaborate across teams to drive technology adop...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $138K *

Optimize sales strategies and drive growth in the US Academic market by partnering with teams to deliver innovative research solutions, enhance customer relationships, and achieve sales targets while...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$162K - $283K *

Optimize customer success by driving growth and retention for high-value manufacturing accounts. Engage with C-suite executives to co-develop digital transformation strategies, ensuring measurable out...

Detroit, MIRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $173K *

Elevate your career by partnering with us to enhance financial forecasting and reporting processes. Leverage your analytical skills to improve business intelligence systems and drive key performance i...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $165K *

Join a team that's redefining enterprise architecture to enhance logistics and installation management. Leverage your expertise to drive compliance and modernization initiatives while collaborating wi...

Arlington, VARemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $160K *

Join a team that's driving innovative launch campaigns, managing complex schedules, and enhancing internal processes. This role requires a proactive leader to oversee launch operations and foster rela...

Seattle, WARemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Drive product strategy by leveraging CMC expertise to translate customer needs into actionable requirements, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver user-focused solutions in an agile env...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.