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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$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of healthcare by leading complex implementations across provider and payor organizations. Drive project success through collaboration, strategic planning, and innovative solutions whi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$75K - $90K *

Transform client objectives into impactful paid social strategies. Oversee campaign execution, optimize performance, and mentor junior team members while driving cross-functional collaboration to achi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$215K - $240K *

Lead the charge in territory sales strategy, driving revenue growth while coaching Business Development Directors and fostering client relationships. Collaborate with senior leadership to optimize per...

Durham, NCRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Champion strategic contract management and proposal development for high-stakes federal bids. Collaborate across teams to balance risk and compliance while driving growth through effective negotiation...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$169K - $304K *

Drive innovative IAM architecture solutions, collaborating globally to enhance cloud asset control and ensure operational excellence through strategic design and cross-functional teamwork...

Cambridge, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$159K - $219K *

Advance security initiatives by designing, implementing, and embedding robust security practices across AI-driven product development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to safeguard applications...

CanadaRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$140K - $180K *

Transform cancer care by developing AI biomarkers through collaboration with ML scientists and clinical partners, enhancing model robustness and interpretability across diverse datasets to improve pat...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$107K - $204K *

Lead the charge in data analytics innovation, leveraging machine learning and Python to enhance decision-making and optimize engineering processes. Collaborate with teams to drive impactful solutions...

Connecticut, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$144K - $220K *

Drive technical excellence as a Senior Staff Engineer, leading the Ops Portal team in shaping architecture and product direction across multiple platforms, while ensuring robust, scalable solutions fo...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Engineer cutting-edge AI evaluation strategies and infrastructure, ensuring quality and reliability across multi-tenant systems. Collaborate with senior teams to enhance product decisions through robu...

Georgia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $195K *

Innovate with us to develop and deploy cutting-edge AI solutions that enhance advertising measurement products. Collaborate across teams to drive impactful data-driven decisions and expand our capabil...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$161K - $230K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of energy by providing expert consulting on gas pipelines and FERC regulations. Lead client engagements, manage deliverables, and drive business development while...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$109K - $129K *

Take ownership of product development in a dynamic, cross-functional team. Drive AI-assisted innovation from problem framing to launch, focusing on customer outcomes and strategic impact in a hyper-ag...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Advance molecular design and drug discovery by leveraging computational chemistry and AI/ML technologies. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative models and workflows that enhan...

San Diego, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $285K *

Drive the development of HPC supply chain frameworks for market intelligence and risk management. Collaborate with sourcing teams to analyze market trends, manage costs, and enhance supplier relations...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$70K - $95K *

Drive the future of GHG emissions verification by leading audits, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with clients to enhance transparency and accuracy in emis...

Emeryville, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$192K - $266K *

Drive best-in-class travel support through strategic leadership and operational excellence. Oversee lodging, flights, and customer advocacy, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and exception...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$250K - $300K *

Join a team that's redefining additive manufacturing by driving automated CAD-to-print workflows. Lead a multidisciplinary group to enhance production systems, ensuring quality and efficiency in aeros...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $160K *

Champion the transformation of web initiatives into impactful projects, overseeing the entire lifecycle from planning to launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in offensive security research, tackling software supply chain vulnerabilities and zero-day threats. Collaborate with teams to innovate security capabilities and publish impactful find...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $180K *

Drive the vision and strategy for API and integration products, ensuring seamless connectivity across systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance cust...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$130K - $219K *

Drive the vision for Samsara device installations, enhancing user experiences and ensuring rapid, accurate setups. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize the install process, making impac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$99K - $130K *

Drive technical excellence by evaluating customer silicon devices and translating complex requirements into manufacturable solutions. Collaborate across teams to ensure product feasibility and success...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $200K *

Accelerate progress at regional Professional Services by leading teams, driving growth and quality in consulting engagements while fostering strategic partnerships and developing innovative service of...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$112K - $145K *

Champion customer success by resolving complex technical issues as a Principal Engineer. Drive personalized support and enhance service processes in a fast-paced environment, ensuring optimal performa...

Austin, TXRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.