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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$166K - $200K *

Shape the future of semiconductor sales by leading strategic engagements and driving growth with key customers. Oversee a dedicated team to build relationships, develop strategies, and manage complex...

Oregon, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in optimizing project management processes for a VHA client team. Utilize your expertise to enhance strategic planning, decision-making, and execution while collaborating with senior s...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on enhancing ingress proxy services. You'll drive security and performance improvements, owning features from design to production while collabora...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$126K - $208K *

Optimize global partner strategies by driving alignment and co-innovation initiatives. Leverage your expertise in ServiceNow technologies to enhance partner capabilities and execute go-to-market plans...

Silver Spring, MDRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$119K - $165K *

Join our team as a Senior Recruiter, driving full-cycle recruiting for Sales, Customer Success, and Partnerships. Collaborate with leaders to enhance our hiring processes and ensure a positive candida...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $250K *

Champion product security initiatives by leading a skilled team, architecting compliance frameworks, and managing incident response to enhance trust across all products and stakeholders...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $165K *

Oversee full lifecycle of U.S. government programs, managing stakeholders and technical details to ensure timely delivery and compliance. Forge trust with clients while leading multiple complex projec...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$160K - $200K *

Empower clients by leading the implementation of innovative solutions, ensuring successful adoption and integration of Omnissa Workspace ONE. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive business outcomes...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$188K - $230K *

Transform the future of data engineering by leading the design and optimization of scalable data pipelines for AI/ML applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and bes...

Minnesota, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$139K - $209K *

Empower your career by leveraging your immunology expertise to drive sales growth. Collaborate with academic and industrial clients, providing tailored solutions that enhance research outcomes across...

Ohio, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$139K - $209K *

Grow revenue by leveraging your immunology expertise to support academic and industry customers. Collaborate with clients to align their research needs with innovative solutions, driving success in th...

Illinois, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $175K *

Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical solutions, mentoring teams, and driving production outcomes in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and operational excellence...

Florida, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$122K - $184K *

Unlock the potential of AI by architecting transformative solutions and guiding complex enterprise projects. Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders while enhancing HR and Finance workflows through inno...

Chicago, ILRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$164K - $246K *

Unlock potential by driving customer transformation and success in strategic accounts. Leverage your leadership skills to enhance value across deployments, ensuring satisfaction and optimizing the ado...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$247K - $337K *

Shape the future of small molecule API development by leading strategic initiatives, influencing cross-functional teams, and managing process innovation to drive patient-centered outcomes in pharmaceu...

New Jersey, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to define and execute innovative payment infrastructure strategies, enhancing capabilities through cutting-edge technologies and partnerships. Lead cross-functional initiatives to...

Atlanta, GARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $250K *

Drive transformative change in Life Sciences by leading complex global projects, mentoring teams, and delivering innovative content strategies that enhance patient communication and operational effici...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$206K - $242K *

Transform external attack capabilities by developing scalable workflows and automating reconnaissance processes. Drive innovation in offensive security, mentor teammates, and contribute to a high-impa...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team as a senior leader, driving client relationships and revenue growth in lead-generation sectors. You'll manage a diverse portfolio, ensuring lead quality and speed while leveraging...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$109K - $154K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative Ultra Pure Water treatment solutions. As a key technical contact, you'll manage bids, collaborate with engineering teams, and drive project success in a dynam...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$109K - $154K *

Transform the future of water treatment by leading innovative Ultra Pure Water solutions. Leverage your engineering expertise and customer relations skills to drive project success and deliver tailore...

Houston, TXRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$109K - $154K *

Empower your career by leading innovative Ultra Pure Water treatment solutions. As a key technical contact, you'll manage bids and collaborate with global teams to deliver tailored engineering solutio...

Boise, IDRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$109K - $154K *

Lead the charge in designing innovative Ultra Pure Water treatment solutions. Leverage your engineering expertise and customer relationship skills to manage the bid lifecycle and deliver tailored solu...

Phoenix, AZRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$109K - $154K *

Lead the design and implementation of innovative Ultra Pure Water solutions, managing client relationships and project lifecycles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored engineeri...

Feasterville Trevose, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$109K - $154K *

Shape the future of water treatment by leading innovative solutions in ultrapure water systems. Collaborate with global teams to manage proposals and engage clients, ensuring technical excellence and...

Feasterville Trevose, PARemote

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.