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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$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

$149K - $202K *

Transform the HCP launch landscape by leading innovative marketing initiatives for a groundbreaking treatment in Sjögren's disease. Collaborate cross-functionally to engage healthcare professionals an...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $195K *

Empower quality assurance excellence by leading GMP oversight for contract manufacturing and validation projects, ensuring compliance and collaboration across technical operations to support drug deve...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $225K *

Transform the claims process by building robust event-driven systems. As a key player, you'll design, implement, and maintain backend services, ensuring reliability and efficiency while mentoring fell...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$220K - $250K *

Drive the product roadmap for Unify Release Orchestration, enhancing developer experience while coordinating releases across multiple services, engaging customers, and leading initiatives for AI-nativ...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$141K - $177K *

Join us to shape the future of cybersecurity by leading product vision and strategy for our innovative Autonomous and Continuous pentesting platform, driving impactful solutions that enhance security...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$280K - $330K *

Empower a dynamic engineering team by leading technical architecture, enhancing system reliability, and driving scalable solutions that support rapid growth in a fast-paced fintech environment. Foster...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$109K - $183K *

Drive excellence in diagnostic imaging by performing comprehensive medical physics surveys, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and supporting accreditation processes across various imaging mod...

Illinois, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining sales excellence by driving revenue growth and market expansion for innovative SynBio products. Lead a dynamic team, develop strategies, and enhance customer experiences...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$225K - $285K *

Lead the implementation of global PLM/PDM systems, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance supply chain processes and support a Tier 1 ERP buildout, ensuring scalability and efficiency across inte...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion the end-to-end management of complex healthcare programs, ensuring operational readiness and compliance. Collaborate with teams and clients to drive successful implementations while maintaini...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $220K *

Join a team that's redefining strategic sourcing for commercial categories. Lead initiatives that drive value, enhance supplier performance, and align with business goals while managing vendor relatio...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$104K - $155K *

Lead the charge in customer-focused project management, ensuring effective delivery of technical solutions while coordinating with diverse stakeholders and fostering strong relationships for successfu...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $210K *

Lead the charge in preclinical toxicology studies by diagnosing disease and toxicity, guiding staff, and ensuring accurate data integration while providing mentorship and fostering strong communicatio...

Columbia, MORemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$104K - $141K *

Elevate supplier quality management in R&D by ensuring compliance, data integrity, and continuous improvement across the supplier lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams to support our mi...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $135K *

Lead the charge in developing and managing enterprise proposals and plans, ensuring compliance and quality across submissions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance win strategies and dri...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $90K *

Transform your marketing career by driving product strategies and campaigns. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create compelling messaging and targeted programs that enhance customer engageme...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $90K *

Join a dynamic team to drive product marketing and ABM strategies, enhancing customer engagement and market presence through compelling messaging and targeted campaigns that foster growth and awarenes...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $185K *

Lead the charge in shaping executive compensation strategies and M&A integration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive impactful decisions and enhance total rewards across the organization...

Massachusetts, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Drive impactful data analysis and risk management for global clinical trials, interpreting complex data to identify trends and risks. Lead cross-functional teams in enhancing study quality and patient...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$175K - $200K *

Drive impactful change in healthcare consulting by leveraging your expertise in clinical operations and research administration. Collaborate with executive leaders to solve complex challenges and fost...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $350K *

Drive the development of cutting-edge AI infrastructure to enhance large-scale reinforcement learning and distributed training systems, optimizing performance and efficiency across various layers and...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Execute project management strategies to drive research initiatives, ensuring effective collaboration and communication across teams. Manage project life cycles, optimize processes, and enhance outcom...

CanadaRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.