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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$130K - $155K *

Manage complex cybersecurity verification programs across large-scale data center projects. Lead coordination among diverse teams, ensuring operational readiness and technical integration throughout c...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Empower enterprise initiatives by leading complex projects that drive strategic outcomes, enhance governance, and align cross-functional teams. Utilize your expertise to manage risks, ensure accountab...

Indiana, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Innovate your career with a key role supporting the global launch and technical operations of radiopharmaceuticals, driving compliance, quality initiatives, and collaboration with CDMOs while leading...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in analytical development, overseeing drug substance and product strategies. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and performance, while mentoring a high-performing analytical...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $190K *

Transform regulatory strategies by leading cross-functional teams to ensure timely submissions and compliance for our innovative gene therapy pipeline, driving excellence in pediatric neurodegenerativ...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $220K *

Transform global in vitro scientific operations by leading expansive teams and driving innovation across oncology and immunology studies. Ensure operational excellence, harmonize multi-site workflows...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $170K *

Transform the content platform by leading hands-on engineering initiatives. Design and implement shared services, ensuring security and stability while mentoring engineers and driving technical excell...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$158K - $197K *

Transform real-world health data into actionable insights by leveraging advanced bioinformatics and AI techniques. Lead innovative analyses in oncology and genomics, facilitating cross-functional coll...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by managing clinical trial project setups and amendments. Collaborate with teams to ensure client requirements are met, while serving as a subject matter expert to enhance process eff...

Johnson City, TNRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee process validation and support for small molecule API manufacturing, ensuring compliance and quality in collaboration with CMOs while driving continuous improvement and...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $185K *

Manage clinical trial operations for early-phase gene-editing studies, overseeing execution from start-up to close-out. Collaborate with internal teams, CROs, and vendors to ensure timelines, budgets...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$166K - $228K *

Engineer cutting-edge AI/ML infrastructures and lead cross-functional teams. Drive market research and innovative strategies to optimize server system designs, ensuring high performance and quality ac...

New Hampshire, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of consumer science in R&D by leading product performance validation and translating consumer insights into actionable recommendations, enhancing product development processes and red...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$123K - $197K *

Transform the landscape of AI by architecting and optimizing cutting-edge LLMs while collaborating with diverse tech teams to innovate and enhance applications for performance and accuracy in resource...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $165K *

Elevate your career as a Scientific Product Owner, driving innovation in clinical genomics software. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate scientific needs into actionable requirements...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of complex clinical trials by managing project teams, timelines, and budgets across various phases of drug development while ensuring stakeholder satisfaction and regulatory compliance...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive global evidence strategy and scientific engagement by collaborating across teams to identify evidence gaps and shape priorities, impacting clinical and marketing efforts in the dental industry...

Ontario, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Champion complex, cross-functional technology programs, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and successful delivery of scalable SaaS solutions through collaboration with Engineering, Product...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$163K - $306K *

Champion the future of laboratory innovation by leading global product strategy, connecting emerging technologies and customer insights to drive impactful business initiatives across diverse markets...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$96K - $148K *

Transform the chromatography marketing landscape by driving global strategies that enhance brand visibility, stimulate demand, and foster revenue growth through collaboration, innovative campaigns, an...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$129K - $193K *

Transform the future of transplant diagnostics by driving market growth and adoption of innovative molecular diagnostics. Collaborate cross-functionally to create compelling strategies and campaigns t...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$94K - $157K *

Contribute to groundbreaking advancements in quantum information science by leveraging your expertise in continuous-variable photonics and theoretical algorithm discovery to develop experimental proto...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion the technical vision for a comprehensive AI program, guiding multiple teams through complex challenges. Ensure high-quality delivery, set architectural standards, and collaborate with executi...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion global physical security and resiliency initiatives by providing strategic leadership to enhance safety for employees and assets while driving compliance across all company operations and thi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $220K *

Oversee a specialized team to ensure AI safety in biological research, addressing dual-use risks and providing expert guidance on complex cases while mentoring junior specialists and advising clients...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.