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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$272K - $340K *

Elevate your career by leading CMC Regulatory strategy and execution. Drive submissions, build a high-performing team, and engage with global health authorities to ensure compliance and success in dru...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $148K *

Drive the successful delivery of complex enterprise projects, ensuring timely execution and high-quality standards. Collaborate cross-functionally to meet client objectives and enhance project managem...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K *

Lead the charge in enhancing and monitoring statistical/ML models to detect Fraud, Waste & Abuse in high-volume prescription transactions. Collaborate with teams to drive innovation and improve busine...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$405K - $485K *

Join us to design and build innovative memory and search experiences that enhance user interaction across platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful products that prioritiz...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$177K - $221K *

Champion regulatory excellence by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance, and driving successful oncology drug development through strategic planning and expert guidance...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $250K *

Accelerate innovation in autonomous agriculture by leading product strategy, collaborating with engineering and commercial teams, and transforming customer insights into impactful solutions that drive...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by driving digital transformation in Life Sciences. Engage with CxOs and R&D teams to deliver innovative SaaS solutions, navigate complex sales cycles, and build lasting partnerships...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive client satisfaction as a Senior Project Manager, overseeing eDiscovery projects, managing budgets, and consulting on best practices. Lead teams, enhance workflows, and ensure timely delivery whi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $149K *

Unlock potential by leading healthcare data analytics to enhance hospital quality performance and rankings. Collaborate with teams to design dashboards, mentor analysts, and present insights to execut...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$170K - $190K *

Shape the future of client engagements by leading procurement relations, fostering trust, and unlocking growth opportunities through strategic partnerships that enhance collaboration and drive expansi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$151K - $215K *

Innovate global technology procurement strategies, optimizing spend and supplier relationships. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance value creation and drive efficiency across technology...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $128K *

Unlock potential by leveraging data analytics to drive workforce insights, enhance decision-making, and support strategic HR initiatives through rigorous analysis and effective communication with stak...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $180K *

Shape the future of clinical operations by leading a dynamic team, ensuring adherence to SOPs, and driving performance through metrics. Collaborate with leadership to optimize resources and enhance pr...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$177K - $338K *

Innovate the global medical strategy for a leading drug program. Drive launch readiness, evidence generation, and cross-functional partnerships while serving as the primary medical voice in product li...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $95K *

Help us shape the future of digital advertising by leading a team in delivering programmatic campaign excellence and leveraging data-driven insights to meet client objectives across various channels...

New York, USRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $205K *

Unlock the potential of our Pro offering by leading product strategy and roadmap. Collaborate across teams to enhance customer experiences for short-term rental operators and HOAs, ensuring scalable s...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$160K - $195K *

Unlock your potential by building advanced entity matching solutions. Collaborate with a dedicated team to transform complex data into actionable insights, ensuring transparency and accuracy in every...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $120K *

Elevate software quality by leading comprehensive testing strategies, ensuring all systems meet rigorous standards and user needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements and del...

Texas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $161K *

Accelerate your career by providing expert guidance and support for a pivotal Transition project, collaborating across teams to ensure seamless execution and impactful outcomes...

Boston, MARemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$265K - $314K *

Drive innovation in mental healthcare by leading engineering teams to enhance patient referral channels. Collaborate with product managers and health systems to build scalable solutions that transform...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $166K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance the FAA's Fire Life Safety Program, ensuring compliance and safety across various facilities. Leverage your expertise in fire protection engineering to support policy de...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$115K - $120K *

Lead the charge in driving operational excellence and strategic enablement across global Inside Sales teams, enhancing commercial effectiveness and delivering exceptional client value through innovati...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Drive enterprise consulting services by leading product implementations, conducting business process analyses, and delivering tailored solutions that align with customer goals while ensuring exception...

Charlotte, NCRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$235K - $329K *

Lead clinical pharmacology initiatives, overseeing drug development across infectious disease and oncology programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic advancements and ensure...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's transforming business challenges into AI-driven solutions. Collaborate with leaders across functions to prioritize opportunities, develop business cases, and guide AI initiatives fr...

Madison, WIRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

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.