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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$128K - $254K *

Join our dynamic team to oversee clinical trials, ensuring quality and efficiency from start to finish. Leverage your expertise in project management and oncology to drive successful outcomes while co...

Durham, NCRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$137K - $171K *

Drive revenue growth by leading a high-performing sales team focused on expanding existing customer accounts. Collaborate cross-functionally to align strategies and enhance net revenue retention while...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$155K - $190K *

Manage the planning and execution of CMC operations across multiple development programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory milestones and efficient collaboration with cross-functional teams and CDMO...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $160K *

Design innovative solutions for a secure online proctored testing platform, guiding engineering teams in modernizing architecture and ensuring scalable, reliable delivery while enhancing candidate and...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$134K - $236K *

Shape the future of AI solutions by transforming customer initiatives into scalable, production-ready systems. Engage with executives to drive strategy, optimize performance, and enhance customer expe...

Texas, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$134K - $236K *

Lead the charge in harnessing AI to transform customer experiences, driving enterprise solutions that enhance operational efficiency and measurable performance through strategic leadership and advance...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Contribute to the development and delivery of training programs for Clinical Trial Delivery, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory standards. Collaborate with cross-functional te...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$124K - $195K *

Lead the execution of complex laboratory projects, ensuring customer success through hands-on management, vendor coordination, and real-time problem-solving across multiple workstreams in dynamic envi...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $325K *

Shape the future of risk management by leading data, analytics, and automation strategies for Technology Risk and Compliance, ensuring effective risk mitigation and compliance across the organization...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$201K - $251K *

Join us to lead cross-functional project management in a dynamic biotech environment. Drive global commercialization initiatives, ensuring alignment and execution across teams while enhancing operatio...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $180K *

Elevate customer success by managing strategic federal programs, ensuring seamless implementation and adoption of innovative solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive project execution and enh...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $120K *

Transform our proposal development process by crafting compelling narratives and presentations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance storytelling and optimize resources, ensuring our cap...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$254K - $382K *

Pioneer innovative clinical strategies as a senior medical leader, driving excellence in study execution and client engagement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance patient care and oper...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$71K - $90K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing patient lives by leading complex validation projects. As a technical expert, you'll drive high-quality outcomes, mentor peers, and collaborate across function...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$136K - $160K *

Drive transformation by partnering with architecture and engineering firms to enhance workflows through AI-enabled solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to redefine processes, ensuring operational...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$154K - $278K *

Drive innovation in advanced maritime technologies, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions for critical defense missions. Oversee program execution, business development, an...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $150K *

Lead product strategy and execution for a suite of wargaming tools, collaborating with users and engineers to transform complex technical capabilities into impactful solutions in high-stakes environme...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform the corporate internal audit landscape by shaping product strategy and developing AI-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and quality throughout the audit lifecycle, while collaborating...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Empower the future of aerospace by leading polymer matrix composite process development. Drive innovation from concept to production, ensuring quality and manufacturability while collaborating across...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$182K - $208K *

Transform formulation development for biologics by leading strategic initiatives in early and late-stage projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure commercial readiness and regulatory...

Waltham, MARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $130K *

Partner with us to design and implement secure, scalable network solutions. Leverage your expertise in networking technologies to enhance performance and reliability while collaborating with cross-fun...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$101K - $150K *

Champion client success by leading complex enterprise implementations, managing risks, and ensuring high-quality outcomes. Drive stakeholder engagement and project delivery while fostering strong rela...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $230K *

Transform the future of platform strategy by leading Dynata+ to drive growth, enhance customer success, and establish a robust ecosystem. Oversee product development, P&L management, and enterprise-wi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $140K *

Shape the future of lead management and partner relationships by owning the Salesforce Lead-to-Opportunity and PRM domains. Drive strategy, execution, and collaboration across teams to enhance convers...

California, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Drive the future of structural engineering by leading complex capital projects, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring technical excellence across diverse markets, particularly in healthcare. Collaborat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.