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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$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

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in transforming software delivery by designing innovative cloud agents and tools that enhance collaboration between AI and teams, streamline workflows, and drive efficiency across prod...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$204K - $276K *

Unlock potential by leading Clinical Risk & Insights, driving systemic investigations and RCA methodologies to enhance clinical execution and decision-making across portfolios, ensuring sustained impr...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$87K - $135K *

Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic Knowledge Management program that enhances IT support services, fosters collaboration, and drives efficiency for a large-scale enterprise environment. Make a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$81K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering high-impact market research solutions, managing multiple projects, and fostering client relationships. Coach and elevate team standards while utilizing innovative methodo...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$139K - $261K *

Accelerate financial decision-making as the key partner for business leaders. Drive performance and growth strategies by providing insights and analytics across divisions, ensuring a strong grasp of r...

Wilmington, DERemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$199K - $276K *

Drive enhancements to our unsecured underwriting models through rigorous research and experimentation. Collaborate with engineering teams to translate findings into scalable solutions that improve cre...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$115K - $130K *

Unlock your potential by leading research on electric and magnetic fields (EMF) and RF exposure. Collaborate with utilities and stakeholders to develop solutions and technical guidance for emerging en...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$194K - $291K *

Lead the strategic and operational execution of companion diagnostic projects in oncology, ensuring alignment with clinical development and regulatory standards while driving cross-functional collabor...

Princeton, NJRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$99K - $158K *

Join a team that's leading innovation in print and packaging processes. Drive complex projects, enhance workflows, and ensure top-tier color management across multiple business units while collaborati...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Drive optimization solutions for workforce planning in a large-scale contact center. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement advanced algorithms that enhance scheduling, staff...

Toronto, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to lead multiple client engagements, driving innovative solutions and strategic direction. Foster cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment with a focus on deliver...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$101K - $112K *

Lead the charge in managing complex projects within the Education portfolio, ensuring effective coordination across teams and stakeholders while driving impactful outcomes in higher education and appl...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$173K - $290K *

Lead the measurement strategy for platform impact, defining metrics and evaluations that drive actionable insights. Collaborate with engineering to operationalize data infrastructure, ensuring quality...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead complex clinical trials, ensuring timely delivery of clean data while managing operational quality and team performance. Collaborate across departments to meet project goals and mainta...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$168K - $304K *

Champion the future of AI security by innovating protective technologies for AI models and systems. Collaborate with experts to enhance cybersecurity and contribute to groundbreaking research that sha...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$129K - $253K *

Champion automation excellence by leading a team to design and implement robust automation strategies, ensuring reliability and security across systems while driving innovation in cloud and applicatio...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $175K *

Take ownership of global customer retention and expansion by leading a diverse team of Customer Success Managers. Drive operational excellence and collaborate cross-functionally to enhance customer sa...

Ontario, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$103K - $181K *

Lead the charge in wastewater treatment engineering, driving innovative solutions for municipal and industrial projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance, efficiency, and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$105K - $130K *

Lead the proposal development process, enhancing strategies and systems to elevate submissions. Collaborate with executives and technical experts to create compelling, client-focused proposals that sh...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$131K - $171K *

Manage end-to-end product strategy and execution for the SAP portfolio, driving AI initiatives and pricing strategies while collaborating across teams to deliver customer value and technical leadershi...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$290K - $400K *

Transform the public sector landscape by leading end-to-end advisory execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic pursuits, build a high-performing team, and establish repeata...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$320K - $336K *

Lead the development and execution of global IP strategies, managing patent portfolios and advising cross-functional teams to protect innovations and support business objectives in a dynamic biotechno...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 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.