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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$104K - $143K *

Join a dynamic team to evaluate clinical program performance using advanced statistical and epidemiologic methods. Drive impactful analyses that inform strategic decisions and enhance healthcare outco...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining scientific data management in drug discovery. Lead the scientific data team, bridging scientists and engineers to ensure data integrity, quality, and innovative solutions...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's advancing oncology solutions by managing global clinical trials. Lead project execution from protocol development to study closeout, ensuring quality and compliance while fostering...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $176K *

Engineer innovative solutions as a Tech Lead, driving architectural evolution and technical excellence for a global web platform while enhancing digital customer experiences through advanced AI integr...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$255K - $290K *

Drive the technical vision for a complex database platform, ensuring scalability and performance. Lead architecture decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enhance data infrastruc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $195K *

Lead the charge in global regulatory submissions, managing U.S. INDs and ex-U.S. CTAs. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop strategies, ensure compliance, and drive timely approvals in a fast-pac...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $146K *

Lead the charge in advancing downstream filtration technologies by partnering with customers and internal teams to solve complex bioprocessing challenges, drive technology adoption, and enhance custom...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$93K - $156K *

Engage in the end-to-end delivery of complex laboratory projects, ensuring high-quality execution and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with teams and stakeholders while adapting to dynamic environme...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$147K - $274K *

Transform the future of search and information retrieval by designing and deploying large-scale systems that enhance legal, tax, and accounting content, ensuring reliable and measurable impact across...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead the development and execution of clinical study designs, ensuring effective project management and collaboration across teams. Your expertise will drive the success of clinical trials...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $115K *

Join a team that's redefining healthcare project management. Lead integrated initiatives, mentor talent, and drive excellence across diverse campaigns while fostering collaboration and innovation in a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$198K - $368K *

Innovate transformative AI solutions for tax and accounting workflows, leading a high-performing team. Collaborate closely with product experts to enhance customer experience, and drive business strat...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $350K *

Transform the landscape of reinforcement learning by designing evaluations and environments that enhance model training and performance. Collaborate with researchers to identify and address model fail...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$157K - $196K *

Drive safety evaluation and risk management for assigned programs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and effective governance in pharmacovigilance activities, while suppor...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $124K *

Lead the charge in delivering impactful scientific software demonstrations and training. Collaborate with diverse teams to address customer needs and enhance bioinformatics solutions, driving innovati...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of geochemistry by providing technical leadership, mentoring staff, and enhancing client relationships across North America in mining and environmental projects...

Denver, CORemote

1 month ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$129K - $193K *

Drive growth in molecular diagnostics by creating market strategies, launching campaigns, and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance transplant patient outcomes globally. Shape compelling narrati...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $170K *

Join a team that's transforming drug development through data science. Leverage your expertise to build predictive models and analytics, driving process improvements and technology transfer in a colla...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$250K - $275K *

Transform the future of drug development by leading Analytical Development for small molecules and oligonucleotides. Drive scientific strategy, build a high-performing team, and ensure regulatory read...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $150K *

Champion effective publication strategies and lead scientific communication initiatives, acting as a strategic partner to clients and teams. Navigate complex medical affairs content to drive impactful...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$132K - $251K *

Elevate your career by tackling complex RF signal processing challenges. Join a dynamic team focused on developing innovative sensor technologies for defense and intelligence applications, leveraging...

Texas, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Empower forensic laboratories globally by validating cutting-edge DNA technologies. Collaborate with teams to ensure seamless integration of new systems, providing expert training and support to enhan...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Empower innovation by architecting next-gen AI-driven CRM solutions. Lead a dynamic team to optimize data processing, enhance automation, and deliver exceptional user experiences while driving market...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $170K *

Lead complex research initiatives by transforming business questions into actionable insights. Collaborate with clients to design robust studies, ensuring methodological integrity and advancing resear...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$148K - $263K *

Drive the design and implementation of AI-First operational environments, architecting resilient multi-cloud networks and building autonomous orchestration layers to enhance security and efficiency ac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.