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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Principal Engineer - Agentic AI Applications
$168K - $240K *
Join us to define and deploy autonomous AI agents at scale, transforming cutting-edge LLM capabilities into reliable, high-availability products while mentoring a team of engineers and setting industr...
3 weeks ago
Senior Research Associate, Evidence Synthesis
$90K - $105K *
Elevate cancer detection research by leading systematic evidence reviews, mentoring junior staff, and managing projects to inform guidelines. Collaborate with experts to ensure high-quality outputs an...
1 week ago
$125K - $187K *
Transform energy efficiency initiatives by leading a skilled engineering team. Drive project execution, mentor talent, and enhance program delivery across multiple states, ensuring impactful cost savi...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager (RD165)
$135K - $160K *
Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...
3 weeks ago
$75K - $110K *
Engage in the successful delivery of automation projects, supporting execution through commissioning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, budget, and schedule adherence while de...
2 weeks ago
Senior Project Manager, Implementation
$112K - $126K *
Join a team that's driving impactful healthcare solutions by managing complex projects from initiation to stabilization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery and high-qual...
Reposted 2 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Empower a healthcare association by leading strategic initiatives, fostering partnerships, and driving revenue growth. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance program excellence and ensure effective...
4 weeks ago
Staff Bioinformatics Scientist, Clinical Applications
$146K - $196K *
Transform genomic insights into clinical applications by designing automated solutions and integrating AI/ML approaches. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance variant curation and ensure...
2 weeks ago
Senior Responsible AI Researcher
$150K - $180K *
Lead groundbreaking research in AI safety and evaluation, bridging academic rigor with real-world challenges. Drive innovative methodologies and collaborate with top-tier institutions to enhance respo...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Systems Analyst, Enterprise Applications
$107K - $173K *
Lead the charge in optimizing SAP FICO systems, collaborating with Finance teams to enhance financial processes, ensuring compliance, and driving impactful projects on the SAP S4 HANA platform for imp...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Engineering, Precision Defense
$270K - $365K *
Lead a dynamic engineering organization to transform offensive capabilities into proactive defense. Shape strategy, scale teams, and deliver innovative solutions across multiple pillars, ensuring robu...
2 weeks ago
$102K - $170K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative data engineering solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define scalable architectures and drive AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with enterpr...
2 weeks ago
$102K - $170K *
Unlock innovative data solutions by leading integration strategies and architectural decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure data and AI solutions while driving...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Optimize financial planning and analysis processes, driving insights and strategic decision-making across multiple business units. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance forecast accuracy and suppor...
1 week ago
21GRAMS- Associate Medical Strategy Director
$120K - $135K *
Join a team that shapes innovative medical strategies, driving excellence in healthcare content. Collaborate with experts, cultivate client relationships, and inspire teams to elevate project outcomes...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$66K - $106K *
Lead a dynamic investigative team to ensure timely case resolution, mentor staff, and uphold quality standards in fraud detection and prevention efforts. Collaborate with management to enhance workflo...
1 week ago
Physical Scientist - Seasonal Forecast System Developer
$95K - $115K *
Champion innovative forecasting solutions by developing advanced marine and seasonal prediction models. Collaborate with scientists to enhance global coupled forecasting systems, leveraging AI/ML tech...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Global Regulatory Process and Compliance
$139K - $184K *
Lead regulatory compliance programs ensuring inspection readiness and proactive risk management across cross-functional teams. Monitor compliance health, manage data quality, and drive improvements al...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Associate Director, Clinical Drug Safety
$117K - $189K *
Champion safety excellence by leading pharmacovigilance efforts, analyzing safety data, and ensuring compliance across clinical programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-qualit...
2 days ago
Senior Regulatory Affairs Consultant, CMC - Post-Approval Vaccines
$120K - $145K *
Drive strategic CMC regulatory leadership for late-stage and marketed products, ensuring compliance and quality in submissions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence outcomes and engage...
1 week ago
$145K - $170K *
Lead the charge in enhancing our data platform by guiding a skilled team of engineers. Drive architectural evolution, ensure data reliability, and foster a culture of ownership while delivering except...
6 days ago
Principal Data Scientist, Marketing Measurement
$182K - $252K *
Drive impactful marketing measurement by leveraging causal inference to optimize budget allocation across channels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data-driven decisions enhance grow...
3 weeks ago
$105K - $110K *
Transform quality management across multiple facilities by driving compliance, enhancing food safety, and leading improvement initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure product excellence a...
4 weeks ago
Senior Technology Operations Manager
$115K - $151K *
Transform technology operations by leading financial management, procurement, vendor oversight, and asset management. Drive strategic decision-making and operational excellence to enhance service deli...
1 week ago
Senior IND/IDE Regulatory Affairs Specialist
$110K - $130K *
Redefine regulatory excellence by leading IND/IDE submissions, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to advance innovative therapies in a remote setting...
Yesterday
What does a Principal Scientist do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.