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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$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

$175K - $210K *

Champion the execution of a comprehensive medical affairs plan for renal cancer theranostics, driving cross-functional alignment and strategic initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and advance clini...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead end-to-end client engagements for complex AI and digital projects, managing multiple implementations while ensuring timely delivery and exceeding client expectations. Collaborate with cross-funct...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Transform enterprise AI partnerships by leading strategic growth initiatives, enhancing relationships, and driving revenue across key Google organizations. Leverage your expertise in AI, cloud, and di...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $175K *

Accelerate progress at our company by driving growth within existing accounts. Leverage strategic relationships and insights to enhance customer success and maximize product adoption, ensuring long-te...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the end-to-end delivery of enterprise SaaS implementations, managing budgets, timelines, and stakeholder relationships to ensure successful project outcomes and high client satisfaction...

Charlotte, NCRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $154K *

Advance your career by leading process engineering for semiconductor projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards while mentoring...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

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

$112K - $222K *

Empower the clinical site management team from initiation to closure, ensuring effective monitoring and sponsor engagement. Drive results while fostering a collaborative and professional environment...

Durham, NCRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K *

Contribute to high-impact proposal development by crafting persuasive narratives that align with client needs and competitive positioning, ensuring compliance and strategic messaging throughout the pr...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$95K - $115K *

Unlock operational excellence by leading talent acquisition processes and programs. Drive team development, enhance recruiting efficiency, and partner with stakeholders to strengthen talent pipelines...

Richardson, TXRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer the strategy and execution of data platforms and AI products, leading cross-functional teams to enhance commercial life sciences solutions while driving revenue growth and product adoption in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K *

Lead the charge in tropical cyclone research, utilizing advanced satellite data to enhance forecasting and decision support systems. Collaborate with experts to develop innovative methodologies and se...

Madison, WIRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aftermarket solutions by driving growth through strategic customer engagement and innovative lifecycle management. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance pr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$280K - $311K *

Optimize safety evaluations within our Drug Safety team to drive innovative strategies for monitoring and managing clinical risks, ensuring compliance and maintaining high-quality standards in pharmac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $210K *

Optimize organizational change management strategies to enhance stakeholder engagement and training for enterprise IT implementations. Lead teams, develop training curricula, and ensure effective comm...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive the growth of the NGDCA Program Office, managing a team and overseeing multi-year engineering initiatives while ensuring effective collaboration across functions and maintaining rigorous decisio...

Arizona, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Champion cross-functional project management for drug development, ensuring effective planning, execution, and governance across complex initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive Phase 3 re...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$151K - $205K *

Engineer innovative biostatistical programming solutions, leading cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of clinical data analysis and compliance. Drive operational excellence in biosimilar...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading client teams to drive retention and growth. Collaborate cross-functionally to shape strategic market positioning and nurture executive relationships, all while cultivating...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$68K - $94K *

Transform the landscape of environmental health by joining our team as a Consultant. Collaborate on impactful projects addressing chemical safety and risk assessment, while developing your skills in a...

Cincinnati, OHRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$148K - $263K *

Champion innovative financial solutions by leading complex OneStream implementations. Collaborate with teams to design scalable architectures, optimize performance, and ensure high-quality deliverable...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$148K - $263K *

Architect high-performance OneStream solutions by translating complex requirements into scalable designs. Lead a team of consultants, ensuring technical quality and optimizing integrations while excee...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $100K *

Join a team that's driving financial insights and pricing strategies to enhance profitability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support client proposals and contract renewals while navigatin...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $158K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving client acquisition and retention in the small and mid-sized pharmaceutical market. Manage relationships, develop strategies, and achieve sales targets while col...

Massachusetts, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K *

Partner with us to innovate and transform Quality & Regulatory operations through technology and data analytics. Drive automation, improve efficiency, and foster effective digital solutions that enhan...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 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.