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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$228K - $285K *

Pioneer advancements in AI inference platforms, driving strategy and execution across cross-functional teams to enhance scalability and reliability for enterprise customers. Lead product initiatives f...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$99K - $139K *

Shape the future of industrial water treatment by leading proposal development and driving strategic initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions for high-purit...

Houston, TXRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$99K - $139K *

Transform your career by leading proposal development for high-purity water systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create winning solutions, manage risks, and drive project success in the...

Phoenix, AZRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$99K - $139K *

Drive proposal development for industrial water treatment projects, leading cross-functional teams to create competitive solutions. Engage throughout the sales cycle, ensuring alignment with strategic...

Feasterville Trevose, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$177K - $221K *

Lead the development and execution of global CMC regulatory strategies to support clinical trials and market applications, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements throughout the product lifec...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$222K - $303K *

Optimize regulatory strategies for product development and submissions. Lead cross-functional teams, manage FDA communications, and ensure compliance with global regulations. Drive innovation in regul...

New Jersey, USRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$168K - $281K *

Lead the charge in Proactive Defense Operations, transforming threat data into automated defenses. Drive strategy, team performance, and operational excellence while collaborating across functions to...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$272K - $340K *

Join a team that's driving CMC strategy and execution for innovative therapies. Lead cross-functional efforts in drug and device development, ensuring compliance and operational excellence from clinic...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $222K *

Manage complex clinical trials from initiation to completion, ensuring project success through effective coordination, communication, and teamwork across diverse functional areas and stakeholders. Dri...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $210K *

Drive the execution of a comprehensive medical affairs plan for prostate cancer theranostics, collaborating across functions to enhance strategy, launch readiness, and lifecycle planning while advanci...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead scientific initiatives in a dynamic oncology publications account, driving high-quality content development and fostering strong client relationships while mentoring a talented team to achieve st...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $135K *

Lead the charge in driving strategic project delivery across multiple squads, ensuring alignment with business priorities and effective communication among stakeholders. Utilize program management exp...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI engineering by leading a dynamic group of engineers and Technical Leads. Drive workforce strategy, enhance team capabilities, and ensure sustainable deliver...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$250K - $350K *

Lead the development of a clinical supply consulting practice, combining expertise in forecasting, planning, and optimization to enhance decision-making for sponsors. Drive innovation and commercial g...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$184K - $205K *

Empower our Data/AI team by leading engineering efforts to enhance machine learning and data architecture, driving innovation within a collaborative and high-performance environment focused on effecti...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $159K *

Drive the transformation of AI agent capabilities into scalable, revenue-generating products. Collaborate across teams to define strategies, evaluate opportunities, and lead product commercialization...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $250K *

Champion innovation in manufacturing solutions by defining a product vision that enhances workforce connectivity and drives performance. Leverage your expertise to transform industry challenges into m...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $270K *

Lead the development and execution of GxP quality systems, ensuring compliance and oversight for clinical and CMC quality. Drive vendor qualification, audits, and training while fostering a culture of...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $208K *

Accelerate progress at a global scale by driving partner alignment and co-innovation in the Autonomous Workforce practice. Leverage ServiceNow technologies to enhance market strategies and deliver imp...

New York, NYRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$230K - $300K *

Champion comprehensive medical strategies for oncology across health systems, engaging at C-suite levels. Leverage extensive collaboration to address clinical needs, advancing BeOne Medicines' portfol...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$299K - $369K *

Unlock your career potential by driving strategic medical partnerships with US health systems in oncology. Collaborate across functions to enhance evidence generation and meet healthcare priorities th...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$275K - $350K *

Lead the charge in building a subscription research business, driving sales and market strategy across energy, trading, and institutional sectors. Collaborate with analysts to tailor offerings and est...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$128K - $188K *

Shape strategic programs to enhance processes and deliver impactful products. Collaborate across teams, promote continuous improvement, and lead change initiatives to drive alignment and achieve busin...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $214K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing enterprise Finance solutions, optimizing processes, and driving global transformation initiatives through innovative technology and collaboration with sta...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$137K - $205K *

Drive impactful analytics initiatives to enhance customer experience and optimize revenue in the insurance sector. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex data into actionable str...

CanadaRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.