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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$117K - $168K *

Join us to deliver exceptional technical support for HPS systems globally. Collaborate with a dynamic team to resolve customer inquiries, enhance satisfaction, and maintain expertise in process contro...

Houston, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $210K *

Drive strategic growth and operational excellence in IT program management, overseeing federal contracts and leading Agile teams to enhance supply chain solutions for the Department of Veterans Affair...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$129K - $177K *

Champion the development of intelligent decision systems using machine learning and reinforcement learning to enhance personalized healthcare recommendations, driving impactful outcomes for millions o...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Empower innovation by designing and scaling backend services for an AI platform. Lead initiatives in automation, reliability, and performance while mentoring a talented team to enhance system architec...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $250K *

Transform clinical trials by ensuring patient safety and scientific integrity. Collaborate with stakeholders to uphold regulatory standards and optimize study protocols, while providing expert medical...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $160K *

Lead the charge in semiconductor micro-contamination control by leveraging your technical expertise and strategic insights to enhance product development and customer solutions, driving yield improvem...

Oregon, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $175K *

Elevate process safety standards by leading complex hazard analyses and compliance audits. Collaborate with diverse clients, mentor engineers, and drive project success while ensuring high-quality ser...

Spring, TXRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$177K - $278K *

Champion innovative patient recruitment strategies to enhance clinical trial engagement and retention. Lead a dynamic team, leveraging data and technology to optimize enrollment across diverse therape...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$210K - $250K *

Drive impactful clinical trials by providing medical oversight and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with teams to manage safety profiles and support business development, enhancing dr...

Philadelphia, PARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in transforming measurement experiences by integrating retailer data into a unified reporting platform. Collaborate with partners to enhance data flow and deliver actionable insights f...

Toronto, ONRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team to lead client accounts, translating needs into effective strategies while fostering strong relationships and guiding junior members. Drive successful project execution and proacti...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$185K - $297K *

Elevate your engineering career by leading test automation and quality architecture for cloud and mobile systems. Shape technical vision, mentor engineers, and drive AI-first automation strategies whi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $260K *

Lead the charge in defining product strategy and ecosystem roadmaps for FOCUS, driving impactful initiatives across the open source landscape while managing complex stakeholder relationships and foste...

Myrtle Point, ORRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $175K *

Lead and innovate within our ML Operations team, driving scalable machine learning solutions. Oversee a talented group while ensuring robust integration of ML technologies, optimizing performance, and...

San Ramon, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $250K *

Unlock the potential of Open Source and AI governance by leading a multidisciplinary team to ensure compliance, drive best practices, and foster innovation across the enterprise, while collaborating w...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$179K - $341K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance C#/.NET integration for Unity Engine, driving performance and reliability. Collaborate with experts to deliver key technical solutions and advocate best practices for de...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$174K - $240K *

Champion innovative research in AI/digital safety, leading methodologies and partnerships to enhance assessment tools. Drive project management and team development to advance the mission of digital s...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform clinical programming by leading complex projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables, and mentoring teams. Drive efficiency and innovation while maintaining compliance and supporting project...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$204K - $274K *

Champion the U.S. Biologics Regulatory CMC team by providing strategic leadership, ensuring timely regulatory submissions, and fostering collaboration among global stakeholders to drive innovative bio...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$132K - $172K *

Lead pharmacovigilance operations and safety science initiatives, ensuring compliance and quality in drug safety reporting. Oversee vendor performance, manage safety data, and contribute to regulatory...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $190K *

Join our team to lead quality engineering transformations across multiple platform portfolios, championing automation and innovation while developing exceptional engineering talent to elevate quality...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $190K *

Lead the charge in ensuring compliance for medical devices by managing audits, reviewing documentation, and collaborating with clients. Utilize your expertise in regulatory frameworks to drive quality...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $110K *

Join a team that's transforming data into actionable insights through Power BI. In this hands-on role, you'll develop dashboards and reports, ensuring data quality and collaboration across stakeholder...

United StatesRemote

Today

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

$100K - $110K *

Empower decision-making by developing impactful Power BI dashboards and reports. Collaborate with data engineers and stakeholders to create semantic models and ensure data quality, enhancing analytics...

United StatesRemote

Today

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

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing CMC strategies for antibody-based radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring alignment with Stage-Gate requirements while managing cross-functional teams and external p...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.