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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$160K - $190K *

Lead and develop a team of Product Managers to drive AI-powered product strategy, governance, and investment decisions. Shape the organization's AI capabilities while ensuring responsible AI practices...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $190K *

Champion a dynamic team of Product Managers to drive AI-powered product strategy, governance, and investment decisions. Elevate organizational AI capabilities while ensuring responsible practices and...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $190K *

Lead the charge in shaping AI-powered product strategy and governance. Develop and mentor a team of Product Managers while owning P&L and driving innovation across a diverse portfolio. Elevate organiz...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Engage in technical leadership and project management to develop industry standards and reports. Collaborate with working groups to drive best practices and support continuous improvement initiatives...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in product innovation. Own strategy and execution, collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform customer insights into impactful solutions that drive business success and enh...

Alpharetta, GARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$137K - $245K *

Shape the future of physical operations by driving AI-powered product innovation. Collaborate across teams to identify customer needs, prototype solutions, and deliver impactful products that enhance...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$137K - $245K *

Lead the charge in driving strategic initiatives and product innovation within the Telematics Business Unit, enhancing core offerings and exploring new market opportunities through hands-on collaborat...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $115K *

Elevate team performance and delivery by leading a technical group, setting clear expectations, providing mentorship, and managing project needs while ensuring quality and employee development in a dy...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$169K - $253K *

Transform operational technology by leading the design and implementation of scalable SCADA and telemetry solutions, ensuring secure data delivery and operational visibility across multi-site environm...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$181K - $301K *

Transform your career by leading a global cyber defense team, driving proactive strategies to mitigate risks and enhance security across diverse environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams t...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$250K - $264K *

Unlock the potential of retail media by leading Ads Quality strategy for Sponsored Products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer and advertiser experiences, driving impactful i...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $180K *

Drive impactful regional marketing strategies that enhance customer engagement and pipeline growth across the Americas. Collaborate with global teams to create tailored campaigns and support sales ini...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Transform technical leadership by overseeing Oracle architecture and AI delivery. Play a key role in building a high-performing team while engaging with customers and partners to drive innovative solu...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$203K - $245K *

Unlock potential by leading a national team of Thought Leader Liaisons to enhance KOL engagement and advocacy in oncology. Drive strategic initiatives, foster collaboration, and ensure compliance whil...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing clinician engagement and development. This role focuses on onboarding, professional growth, and retention strategies for surgical teams, ensuring a high-quali...

Addison, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$170K - $200K *

Lead the charge in establishing a new Water/Wastewater practice across California, driving strategic growth, client relationships, and project oversight while mentoring a multidisciplinary team to del...

San Jose, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$170K - $200K *

Transform the future of water/wastewater engineering by leading practice growth, client development, and strategic initiatives across California. Leverage your expertise to establish a trusted enginee...

Sacramento, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$170K - $200K *

Grow your career with a leadership role in expanding a Water/Wastewater practice. Drive strategic development, client relationships, and project oversight while leveraging your expertise to establish...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$225K - $418K *

Elevate your career by leading advanced analytics initiatives that drive strategic business decisions and measurable impact. Collaborate with global teams to innovate and implement cutting-edge analyt...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$121K - $240K *

Engage finance teams by developing AI-driven tools that enhance analysis, streamline close activities, and improve data accessibility. Collaborate with stakeholders to create impactful solutions that...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $193K *

Drive innovation in remote sensing technology through advanced geospatial analysis. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance ArcGIS capabilities using imagery from various platforms, leveraging m...

Redlands, CARemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Develop and optimize high-performance software systems using Rust, focusing on Linux environments and distributed applications. Collaborate on architecture and enhance software quality through modern...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead a dynamic content development team to create high-quality curriculum materials for K-8 science education. Oversee project management, ensure content consistency, and drive team performance to mee...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of corporate governance by executing compliance workflows, managing documentation, and supporting senior legal professionals in a dual-listed public company environment, ensuring time...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$250K - $290K *

Elevate your career by leading a high-performing engineering team, driving strategy and innovation in web3 technologies. Shape the future of decentralized systems while ensuring top-tier security and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 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.