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 - $231K *

Lead enterprise-wide AI programs, driving operational frameworks and cross-functional collaboration to enhance efficiency and deliver impactful results across the organization...

Texas, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing patient access through strategic design and management of support programs. Oversee vendor relationships and ensure compliance while driving initiatives that...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$172K - $202K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative insights and strategies for clients. As a Senior Director, you'll leverage your expertise to drive impactful research, engage with executives, and mentor team...

Texas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$183K - $240K *

Lead a global field service organization, driving strategy and operational excellence to enhance customer satisfaction and service delivery for Probe Card products across multiple regions...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$115K - $125K *

Drive the vision and strategy for analytics products, enhancing client insights and program value. Collaborate across teams to deliver AI-enabled solutions, ensuring seamless integration and measurabl...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$105K - $127K *

Champion the management of SR&ED programs, ensuring compliance and maximizing tax credits. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, support audits, and drive financial reportin...

Montreal, QCRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $150K *

Unlock your potential by leading the operational backbone of a new Customer Experience Center. Drive launch readiness, manage vendor relationships, and ensure seamless program execution to deliver exc...

Waukesha, WIRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$170K - $185K *

Champion innovative software solutions by leading complex projects, mentoring engineers, and driving technical excellence across teams. Collaborate on strategic initiatives to enhance reliability and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential by managing complex DoD biomanufacturing projects. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, oversee performance metrics, and develop impactful briefings for leadership in a dynamic...

Bethesda, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in transforming data analytics for critical enterprise systems. Drive innovative solutions, manage complex data architectures, and collaborate with diverse teams to enhance data-driven...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Help us lead HR integration for M&A projects, managing due diligence to execution. Collaborate with HR teams to mitigate risks, enhance strategies, and ensure smooth transitions for acquired employees...

Durham, NCRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$88K - $105K *

Transform the landscape of biostatistics by leading project teams, ensuring compliance, and mentoring junior statisticians while delivering high-quality statistical analyses and documentation...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $210K *

Lead evidence generation and scientific communications to support innovative gene therapy initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify evidence gaps and execute strategic plans, en...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the architectural vision for scalable Identity Resolution platforms, driving innovation in enterprise applications and data processing. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure robust, high-p...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Take ownership of critical VPP projects; manage field operations, partner support, and technical training while leading a team of engineers to ensure top-tier service and product quality within the re...

Georgia, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$200K - $400K *

Unlock potential by driving strategic outcomes in Oncology, leveraging extensive expertise to support proposals, engage clients, and mentor teams, ensuring high-quality input for clinical research suc...

Oregon, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$215K - $269K *

Transform your career by architecting scalable systems in a dynamic engineering environment. As a technical leader, you will guide innovative solutions across multiple teams, ensuring high-performance...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $222K *

Shape your career by leading clinical project management for global trials. Drive cross-functional collaboration, ensure compliance, and meet project deliverables while fostering effective teamwork an...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in managing client projects, ensuring high-quality delivery on time and within budget while fostering excellent customer service and collaboration across teams...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $245K *

Drive the execution of companion diagnostics strategy, managing cross-functional teams and partnerships to ensure successful assay development and regulatory compliance, ultimately enhancing patient o...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$162K - $203K *

Drive impactful market research initiatives by collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into actionable insights, ensuring high-quality execution and strategic decision-ma...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Contribute to the design and execution of clinical studies, ensuring data integrity and quality. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive study activities and support regulatory efforts, while enhancin...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$114K - $187K *

Optimize clinical data management processes by leading teams and ensuring compliance with standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance data quality and streamline operations across multiple com...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $117K *

Elevate proposal development by collaborating with global teams to create high-quality, tailored proposals for Biologics and Drug Product offerings, ensuring alignment with customer needs and driving...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$128K - $190K *

Shape the future of biotech by driving strategic sales and fostering key client relationships. Leverage your expertise to maximize revenue growth and enhance client satisfaction in a dynamic, fast-pac...

California, USRemote

1 month 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.