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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$120K - $165K *

Join a team that leads complex technical infrastructure projects, driving AI initiatives and operational improvements through effective project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and disciplined planni...

British Columbia, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$138K - $207K *

Unlock your potential as a Principal Statistical Programmer, leading complex clinical trials and ensuring high-quality data delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and me...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$74K - $125K *

Lead the charge in modernizing a federal agency's data ecosystem. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate needs into actionable features, ensuring backlog readiness and supporting AI initiatives in...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of innovative SaaS solutions by driving full stack development, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and delivering exceptional applications with a focus on scalability and performa...

Toronto, ONRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in managing enterprise restaurant technology deployment projects, ensuring successful delivery through effective cross-functional collaboration and communication with stakeholders, whi...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$110K - $120K *

Optimize clinical trial operations by managing study components, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality results on time and within budget...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$204K - $327K *

Drive innovative legal solutions as a key partner for AI and product teams, providing comprehensive guidance on regulatory challenges and product development. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $135K *

Collaborate with leaders to manage employee relations and complex investigations, providing expert guidance and risk assessments in a dynamic, regulated environment. Drive best practices and support w...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Manage clinical operations and deliverable timelines, ensuring project goals are met within contractual obligations. Collaborate with teams on studies of low to moderate complexity while maintaining q...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$68K - $103K *

Engage with a dynamic team to drive successful execution of HEOR projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes through strategic portfolio management and collaboration with cross-functi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$98K - $141K *

Drive efficiency and reliability by leading a team of Controls Engineers to enhance regional plant technology and optimize machine processes, ensuring consistent implementation of industry standards a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$153K - $286K *

Engage with us to lead a global team in managing complex software project portfolios, ensuring strategic alignment and stakeholder engagement while mentoring project managers for robust business growt...

Santa Clara, CARemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Drive successful Intapp DealCloud implementations by leading client engagements from discovery to go-live, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and delivering high-quality consulting solutions...

New York, NYRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in enhancing fire protection systems for nuclear facilities while collaborating with engineering teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting modifications that safeguar...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$480K - $500K+*

Transform measurement science by leading a skilled team to enhance content performance metrics, ensuring rigorous analysis and fostering individual growth while collaborating with cross-functional lea...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$150K - $180K *

Transform the developer experience by leading AI-native architecture, guiding engineers in adopting innovative practices, and enhancing collaboration through cutting-edge tools and workflows. Drive im...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $180K *

Join a pioneering team to advance AI-driven genetic medicines, focusing on gene therapy, editing, and RNA therapeutics. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to evaluate agent performance and driv...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$107K - $171K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role leading capital projects and process improvements across manufacturing sites. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and drive i...

Warrenville, ILRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$210K - $250K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of clinical trials by providing medical oversight, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting business development while collaborating with teams and cli...

Chapel Hill, NCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Process Engineer, leveraging your expertise to design and optimize ultrapure water treatment systems for the microelectronics industry, ensuring project success through innova...

Phoenix, AZRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead complex engineering projects in power generation, focusing on excitation systems. Collaborate with clients and internal teams to deliver innovative solutions while enjo...

Warrenville, ILRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$74K - $125K *

Drive modernization efforts by managing the operating system for a federal agency's data and analytics platform. Collaborate across teams to ensure effective delivery, risk management, and adherence t...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$138K - $145K *

Transform your career by overseeing contract manufacturing operations, ensuring quality and efficiency across diverse product formats. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$156K - $195K *

Champion the global eDiscovery Technology practice, leading a diverse team to innovate AI-assisted workflows, ensuring defensibility and quality across jurisdictions while driving growth and operation...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $130K *

Transform marketing strategies by leading global initiatives that drive commercial growth and enhance technical communication for innovative technology in the mining industry. Collaborate cross-functi...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.