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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$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...

Seattle, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Muskogee, OKRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

New Brunswick, NJRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

New Brunswick, NJRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

North Carolina, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

College Park, MDRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.