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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$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

$186K - $285K *

Elevate your impact by defining the technical vision and architecture for critical platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges while leading modernization and engine...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $285K *

Lead the development of Test & Code Coverage capabilities, transforming complex challenges into actionable strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and streamlin...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Tackle complex optimization challenges by developing scalable decision systems in supply chain operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance analytical models, ensuring alignment with...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$268K - $368K *

Unlock potential by leading global labeling strategy and operations, ensuring compliance and alignment across product lifecycles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive effective labeling ne...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Contribute to innovative cloud solutions by leveraging your expertise in Azure, C#/.NET, and DevOps practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security, scalability, and performance...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform customer IT service requirements into innovative solutions that enhance loyalty and profitability. Lead technical resources in delivering high-quality financial industry solutions while ensu...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $180K *

Join us as a Technology Architect to shape and govern our Sales & Marketing tech ecosystem. Lead architecture design, drive integration strategies, and mentor teams to enhance client engagement and op...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Grow enterprise SAP relationships by managing key accounts and driving new business. Leverage your expertise to expand client portfolios, develop strategic plans, and ensure client satisfaction while...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$93K - $137K *

Innovate across capital projects and chemical operations, delivering practical mechanical engineering solutions while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective project execution a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$145K - $175K *

Join a team that's redefining AI-driven solutions by leading product development for an innovative tech concierge. Drive the evolution of agent capabilities, ensuring quality and reliability while col...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Optimize engagement and monetization strategies for an AI-driven product, transforming customer interactions into measurable growth. Lead cross-functional teams to innovate and implement effective use...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $200K *

Lead transformative AI projects by embedding within client teams, delivering production-ready solutions that drive real business impact. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to understand needs and s...

New York, NYRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$174K - $234K *

Shape the future of advanced analytics and AI, driving data-driven solutions across commercial, medical, and clinical operations. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver insights, enhance decision-m...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Champion strategic partnerships to drive pipeline growth, manage relationships with industry executives, and enhance collaboration with sales teams. Shape a dynamic partner program that translates con...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$232K - $348K *

Lead the charge in oncology pharmacology, managing scientific teams to drive drug discovery from early stages through regulatory approval while ensuring alignment across cross-functional teams...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $140K *

Drive project success in clinical research by managing cross-functional teams, ensuring timely deliverables, and maintaining regulatory compliance. Leverage your expertise to enhance operational effic...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Lead the development of a comprehensive data strategy, focusing on modern architecture and tools. Drive real-time insights and decision-making while managing a high-performing team to enhance the orga...

Glendale, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $225K *

Shape the future of federal policy by leading congressional engagement and driving funding strategies. Collaborate with executive leadership to translate technical capabilities into actionable priorit...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$109K - $151K *

Pioneer strategies in Amazon marketplace for diverse beauty brands, driving growth and optimizing performance. Lead and develop teams while managing P&L, fostering collaboration, and enhancing brand v...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$94K - $129K *

Unlock the potential of IT security across the Americas, managing systems and protocols to enhance regional safety. Your expertise will drive compliance and strategic initiatives, fostering a robust s...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$95K - $115K *

Elevate project delivery by leading cross-functional teams in Interactive Response Technology, ensuring client satisfaction and timely execution while managing risks and fostering continuous improveme...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development of accurate proposals and cost estimates for water and wastewater projects. Collaborate with engineering, sales, and finance teams to ensure timely delivery and customer satisfact...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$116K *

Lead site activation efforts by coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and quality delivery of clinical projects. Drive strategic initiatives and mitigate risks while enhancing comm...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.