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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$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

$83K - $104K *

Lead the charge in managing complex client programs, driving operational excellence and strategic direction while fostering strong stakeholder relationships and ensuring exceptional service delivery...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$131K - $205K *

Engage in the design and evaluation of electric power generation projects. Provide technical support and owner’s engineering services, focusing on thermal power systems. Collaborate on project develop...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$142K - $203K *

Design and optimize AI-ready networking infrastructures to support high-performance computing and data-intensive workloads. Collaborate with customers to assess, plan, and implement scalable solutions...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$229K - $330K *

Join us to redefine revenue operations by leading a dynamic team that transforms GTM strategies into actionable insights, ensuring scalable success across diverse market segments and driving AI-enhanc...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$183K - $200K *

Shape the future of offensive security by leading advanced penetration testing, red-team engagements, and AI-assisted workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security measures an...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $190K *

Shape environmental impact assessment strategies for major projects. Cultivate stakeholder relationships and lead multidisciplinary teams while driving compliance with regulatory standards to ensure s...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $180K *

Transform global safety standards by leading the Environment, Health & Safety program. Drive strategic initiatives, foster a culture of compliance, and enhance organizational capability across diverse...

Waltham, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$212K - $222K *

Champion client success as you lead Aera solution deployments, building trusted relationships with executives to drive value and Decision Intelligence roadmaps while managing project delivery and fost...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$144K - $173K *

Shape the future of pharmaceutical media by leading client strategy and integrated media delivery. Drive audience engagement, manage high-impact relationships, and leverage data insights to achieve me...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $120K *

Explore a pivotal role in leading complex analysis across systems, driving alignment among stakeholders, and enhancing technology solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate business needs...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

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

$117K - $176K *

Empower your career by leading cross-functional teams to craft compelling narratives that drive strategic pursuits. Utilize your expertise in clinical development and storytelling to enhance customer...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $189K *

Elevate organizational efficiency by leading Workday Absence and Time Tracking solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize processes, ensuring compliance and enhancing user experience as the...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $225K *

Drive innovation and strategic leadership in wastewater treatment and reuse projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable, cutting-edge engineering solutions while fostering client...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$133K - $200K *

Accelerate clinical data management processes by leading data entry, ensuring quality, and overseeing database development for clinical trials. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$133K - $200K *

Drive excellence in clinical data management by overseeing data processes, ensuring quality, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver timely and accurate results throughout the clinical trial lif...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$166K - $200K *

Transform your career by driving revenue growth and client engagement in the life sciences sector. Lead strategic initiatives, foster key relationships, and deliver innovative solutions that enhance c...

Atlanta, GARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$170K - $200K *

Elevate your career by driving revenue growth and client engagement in the life sciences sector. Lead strategic initiatives, foster key relationships, and deliver tailored solutions that revolutionize...

Jersey City, NJRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$170K - $200K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing healthcare by driving growth in life sciences. You'll lead strategic initiatives, engage key clients, and ensure exceptional customer experiences while achieving amb...

New York, NYRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$170K - $200K *

Lead the charge in driving revenue growth and client engagement within the life sciences sector. Utilize consultative sales strategies to expand key accounts and deliver exceptional customer experienc...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$166K - $200K *

Grow your career with a strategic role driving revenue and client engagement in life sciences. Lead consultative sales, manage key accounts, and collaborate across teams to deliver innovative healthca...

Boston, MARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$166K - $200K *

Transform the healthcare landscape by driving revenue growth and client engagement in life sciences. Lead strategic initiatives, manage key accounts, and collaborate across teams to deliver innovative...

Cary, NCRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$166K - $200K *

Unlock potential by leading strategic growth initiatives in life sciences. Drive revenue expansion and client engagement through consultative sales, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to...

Philadelphia, PARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in ensuring compliance of promotional materials with Canadian regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to review and approve content, providing regulatory insights and prac...

Ontario, CARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.