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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$171K - $269K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data, develop strategies, and influence product roadmaps. Use technical expertise to solve business challenges and communicate insights effectively t...

Seattle, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead and grow a high-performing Guidewire practice, driving strategy and delivery excellence in digital transformations for insurance clients, while fostering client relationships and mentoring teams...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Champion data innovation by leading a skilled engineering team to enhance our enterprise data platform. Drive architectural excellence and streamline processes across Azure and Microsoft Fabric, ensur...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading global sourcing operations, optimizing procurement strategies, and driving cost savings while enhancing supplier relationships and ensuring transparency in spending across...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$138K - $165K *

Elevate our product management efforts by driving innovation in cybersecurity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful data-driven analytics, leveraging user insights and industry...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $190K *

Empower our team to drive innovation by developing crucial AI tools that enhance operational efficiency. Oversee governance, training, and metrics to ensure impactful adoption across departments while...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $158K *

Transform the Property Intelligence platform by connecting customer needs with product insights. Collaborate across teams to enhance product adoption and engagement through analytics and feedback, dri...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$175K - $195K *

Shape the future of global HR operations by enhancing systems and processes for a seamless employee lifecycle. Collaborate cross-functionally to improve workflows, compliance, and service effectivenes...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $130K *

Drive commercial activation and revenue growth for a multi-million-dollar portfolio, leveraging strategic insights and AI to enhance client engagement and decision-making. Lead cross-functional teams...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$163K - $217K *

Lead the charge in establishing global technical standards for utility and power systems. As a strategic authority, you'll guide complex engineering decisions and mentor teams across diverse projects...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$225K - $281K *

Lead the charge in shaping detection and response strategies, driving hands-on initiatives to enhance security architecture and incident management. Collaborate across teams to ensure robust threat de...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$202K - $253K *

Drive the development of AI-driven coaching solutions, overseeing multiple squads from prototype to production. Ensure quality delivery, manage resources effectively, and foster team growth while main...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $170K *

Elevate data engineering excellence by designing and implementing complex data solutions, mentoring engineers, and collaborating across teams to drive impactful data initiatives and architectural inno...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$150K - $160K *

Partner with us to shape the quality strategy for a leading exam development platform. Leverage your expertise to guide multiple Agile teams, enhance automation practices, and ensure high standards ac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$108K - $130K *

Shape the future of Precision Guided Munitions by leading capture strategies, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with program objectives. Drive innovation and enhance program per...

Cedar Rapids, IARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$320K - $405K *

Transform the future of data center engineering by resolving on-site technical issues, collaborating with contractors, and ensuring project success through effective problem-solving and communication...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$173K - $255K *

Champion data-driven insights to shape brand narratives and audience understanding. Lead research and analytics to connect diverse data sources, measure narrative performance, and inform strategic com...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$153K - $213K *

Lead the charge in transforming data into actionable insights that shape brand narratives. Drive audience understanding and narrative performance measurement to enhance strategic decision-making acros...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $195K *

Take ownership of designing automated systems and robotic equipment for remote operations in radiological environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective integration and perf...

Oak Ridge, TNRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$177K - $224K *

Lead strategic customer relationships in aerospace and energy sectors, driving renewals and engineering engagements. Own key accounts, transition pricing models, and ensure customer success through te...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $185K *

Drive innovation by scouting and assessing external technologies to enhance portfolio growth. Collaborate with diverse teams and engage with industry networks to identify strategic opportunities and s...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $338K *

Drive enterprise-wide financial strategy and performance by leading a global FP&A team. Collaborate with executive leadership to influence critical decisions, enhance financial capabilities, and suppo...

Durham, NCRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Drive the management of clinical trials to meet deliverables within contractual timelines while ensuring compliance with industry standards and project expectations. Collaborate with cross-functional...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$114K - $120K *

Transform data into actionable insights by conducting advanced analysis and developing compelling reports. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support leading B2B brands and enhance research qu...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$115K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clean energy by developing and owning plant process simulation models. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance design, operations, and plant dynamics for in...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.