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

$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

$136K - $171K *

Pioneer clinical trial excellence by leading operational planning and execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance, quality, and timely delivery of clinical studies while mentoring j...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$295K - $312K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of drug safety! Provide operational leadership across pharmacovigilance functions, oversee compliance and vendor relationships, and ensure high-quality safety rep...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $110K *

Empower corporate veterinary groups by driving software adoption and growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop strategic partnerships, influence decisions, and enhance customer satisf...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$185K - $312K *

Transform the Agentic Platform as a Principal PM, leading AI agent development across teams. Shape technical direction, enhance developer experience, and ensure seamless integration for impactful cust...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Transform frontline manager development by leading strategic programs that enhance coaching, deal inspection, and pipeline management. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive consistent team performan...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $115K *

Explore a pivotal role in pharmacovigilance, ensuring regulatory compliance and safety management for cancer therapies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance drug safety processes and sup...

Princeton, NJRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Lead compliance initiatives by managing cybersecurity projects and teams. Collaborate with clients to ensure excellence in service delivery while steering resource strategy and risk mitigation to meet...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$199K - $269K *

Grow your career with a leadership role in AI Digital Product Management, driving strategy and innovation across a portfolio of AI products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$103K - $176K *

Transform downstream marketing for cutting-edge medical devices. Drive product launches, develop compelling content, analyze market trends, and ensure regulatory compliance across global regions while...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $160K *

Lead the transformation of enterprise business processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Collaborate with stakeholders to architect solutions that drive operational excellence across the orga...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$194K - $266K *

Lead the charge in driving commercial growth by securing high-value partnerships and expanding market presence. Mentor a dynamic team while executing strategic initiatives that enhance client relation...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$74K - $96K *

Transform cultural resource management by leading diverse projects, ensuring compliance and quality while fostering collaboration. Engage with clients and stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes i...

Pasadena, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Architect innovative laboratory solutions by designing, developing, and deploying clinical applications. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance workflows and ensure seamless integration, driving ope...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$110K - $160K *

Transform advanced semiconductor facilities by leading electrical design projects. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to ensure compliance, quality, and innovation while utilizing cutting-edge AI...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $160K *

Transform the future of technology by leading electrical design for advanced semiconductor facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance, innovation, and quality in every p...

Phoenix, AZRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Drive environmental solutions by applying scientific principles to analyze data, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with regulations. Collaborate with project teams to execute fieldwork and suppor...

Omaha, NERemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$179K - $341K *

Architect and lead the mobile app development for a consumer rewards platform. Create engaging UI/UX, integrate backend systems, and manage virtual economies while mentoring engineering talent and ens...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$131K - $205K *

Shape the future of electric power projects by providing expert development support, technical evaluations, and engineering design reviews. Collaborate with clients to optimize project outcomes while...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing customer success through expert guidance in Privilege Access Management. Leverage your technical skills to support enterprise clients, ensuring seamless deplo...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of security engineering by leading a high-performing team, enhancing operational excellence, and translating security risks into actionable priorities in a dynamic, growth-focused env...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$147K - $205K *

Innovate with us to lead global Technical Support Engineering operations, enhancing customer experience through effective problem-solving, operational excellence, and team development. Drive continuou...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$230K - $275K *

Lead the charge in vulnerability research and exploitation techniques, transforming real-world threats into automated solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance security measures and validate defens...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.