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 - $200K *

Transform clinical research by leading operational oversight of studies, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations. Collaborate with teams to drive site feasibility, manage budgets, and enhan...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $200K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical research by leading operational aspects of trials, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming data into actionable insights. As a Senior Analyst, you'll tackle complex challenges, support strategic initiatives, and collaborate with experts to enhanc...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$128K - $214K *

Empower cross-functional teams to deliver complex technical programs, ensuring alignment with business goals. Lead planning, execution, and stakeholder communication while fostering a collaborative en...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Help us ensure high-quality decision-making by collaborating with leaders to frame strategies and analyze options, driving impactful decisions that align with organizational goals and values while fos...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$247K - $337K *

Lead CMC Pharmaceutical Development for small molecules, driving innovation and strategy from early development to commercialization while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence...

New Jersey, USRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$250K - $290K *

Accelerate progress at our East Region by leading strategic growth initiatives, mentoring managers, and driving profitable operations within a high-performing team dedicated to environmental consultin...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $160K *

Transform product security by leading strategy, conducting threat modeling, and collaborating across teams to ensure secure design and compliance. Drive innovation in security practices while mentorin...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $140K *

Lead the charge in delivering enterprise data platform initiatives, managing Agile processes, and ensuring effective collaboration across teams. Drive project execution from discovery to deployment wh...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$160K - $235K *

Join a dynamic team to shape and implement cardiometabolic research strategies, driving high-impact initiatives that foster growth and operational excellence while collaborating across therapeutic are...

Indianapolis, INRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$104K - $131K *

Transform oncology marketing operations by leading systems, processes, and planning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and efficiency while managing a dedicated team and opt...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by conducting high-resolution modeling for atmospheric rivers, enhancing predictive capabilities within the Unified Forecast System, and collaborating on innovative parameterization m...

College Park, MDRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$175K - $283K *

Champion regulatory excellence by leading CMC strategies for small molecule programs, ensuring compliance and driving successful submissions from early development through commercialization in a dynam...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $166K *

Lead the charge in managing site contract negotiations and agreements, ensuring alignment with clinical study timelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance contract processes and mento...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$162K - $190K *

Lead the charge in developing scalable analytics and KPI frameworks, ensuring trusted metrics drive impactful business decisions. Collaborate cross-functionally to standardize measurement and enhance...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $110K *

Drive AI transformation by mapping current processes and designing future-state models across G&A functions. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify automation opportunities and enhance operational...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $189K *

Transform global labeling strategies into actionable regional plans, ensuring compliance and quality. Oversee document preparation, vendor management, and cross-functional approvals to deliver timely...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$113K - $125K *

Drive product strategy and outcomes in a senior role, focusing on educational equity and data-driven impact. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape product direction, prioritize initiatives...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $148K *

Transform global congress planning by leading cross-functional teams, managing timelines, and ensuring quality execution. Drive strategic alignment and operational excellence to deliver impactful cong...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in managing client relationships and program performance, ensuring timely delivery of medications. Oversee budgets, facilitate communication between stakeholders, and drive successful...

North Carolina, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Drive strategic initiatives by developing KPI frameworks and operational dashboards, analyzing performance data, and collaborating across teams to enhance business outcomes and support informed decisi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$118K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading structural engineering reviews for renewable energy projects. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to optimize design, support financing, and deliver actionable insights...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Drive efficient order management and logistics operations, ensuring compliance with pharmaceutical regulations while collaborating with internal teams and 3PL partners to optimize product flow and per...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$122K - $183K *

Transform how we operate by leading technology-driven initiatives that enhance business capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product strategies and drive measurable outcomes...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Empower decision-making by utilizing data-driven insights to enhance operations, supporting growth through statistical modeling and AI techniques while maintaining compliance in a complex regulatory e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   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.