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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$145K - $165K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team in product management, driving strategies and execution for Microbial Solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance customer outcomes and ensure co...

Charleston, SCRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$236K - $370K *

Innovate the future of laboratory operations by leading strategic initiatives that integrate customer insights, technology, and business strategy. Collaborate across functions to drive impactful solut...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$134K - $236K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI-driven customer experience transformation, guiding enterprises through strategic AI adoption and scalable solutions while collaborating with C-suite executiv...

Texas, USRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$134K - $236K *

Elevate customer experiences by architecting AI solutions that drive operational excellence and enterprise adoption. Collaborate with leaders to transform ambitious AI initiatives into scalable, produ...

Texas, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $238K *

Elevate customer experiences by designing and developing cutting-edge AI-driven bot applications. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions, manage strategic projects, and leverage advanc...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $178K *

Unlock your potential by leading innovative AI-driven bot solutions, enhancing customer experiences through advanced digital applications. Collaborate with teams to design, develop, and deliver cuttin...

Ontario, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $150K *

Advance innovative therapeutic programs targeting genetically driven diseases through strategic sourcing, relationship building, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring a patient-first approach i...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Unlock your potential as a Principal Software Developer, driving the design and deployment of cutting-edge AI platforms. Collaborate across the full stack to create intelligent applications that enhan...

Virginia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $159K *

Analyze and build evaluation frameworks for AI agents, ensuring quality and performance meet client and business standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish testing methodologies a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $250K *

Champion the evolution of fraud prevention strategies, enhancing customer experience while safeguarding against risks. Collaborate cross-functionally to design innovative solutions that balance securi...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$170K - $220K *

Champion transportation optimization by leading strategic initiatives that enhance service, cost efficiency, and network performance across global operations. Drive innovation in operating models and...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$128K - $254K *

Oversee and manage large-scale, multi-national projects, ensuring successful delivery through direct team leadership and cross-functional collaboration, while maintaining high quality and financial pe...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$223K - $334K *

Lead the charge in establishing investigation excellence and reliability engineering capabilities. Collaborate globally to enhance quality outcomes, drive data-driven decisions, and mentor technical e...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$172K - $203K *

Tackle complex reliability challenges in consumer hardware by building data-driven models and systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product quality and performance, leveraging advanced an...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$183K - $321K *

Champion innovation by leading cross-functional deployment of engineering tools and AI capabilities. Engage with teams to identify needs, manage program execution, and ensure adoption for streamlined...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Champion the growth of a self-directed engineering team, shaping processes, technical direction, and compliance in a fast-paced, regulated environment. Balance hands-on coding with leadership to drive...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$155K - $195K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic growth in Industrial Hygiene, driving client development, and delivering high-quality technical solutions. Collaborate with teams to ensure regulatory compliance...

San Francisco, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$200K - $230K *

Drive impactful AI threat research marketing by transforming technical insights into compelling narratives. Collaborate with experts to enhance Cyera's authority and visibility in data security, while...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$204K - $340K *

Lead the charge in generating impactful real-world evidence to support oncology products, ensuring alignment with market needs and regulatory requirements while collaborating across teams to drive evi...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's dedicated to managing complex programs, ensuring client satisfaction and operational efficiency. Lead daily operations, supervise staff, and contribute to strategic initiatives whil...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of scientific communications by leading global publication strategies in nephrology and hematology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$149K - $298K *

Lead strategic and operational initiatives for field clinical teams, ensuring compliance and effective trial support for TMVR programs while driving positive patient outcomes and team performance...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$188K - $225K *

Join a dynamic team to drive strategic initiatives, enhance operational efficiency, and foster innovation across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and delivering impactfu...

New York, NYRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$256K - $384K *

Engage with us to provide expert pre-sales technical support, driving complex enterprise opportunities in the North Central region. Collaborate with sales teams and customers to deliver tailored solut...

Illinois, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$315K - $370K *

Join a team that's redefining offensive security by leading engineering efforts to transform research into scalable, customer-facing products. Drive strategy, execution, and innovation across multiple...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.