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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$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of clinical research by leading project teams to achieve milestones, ensuring compliance and operational excellence throughout all phases of study management while fostering collabora...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Champion our security posture by designing and automating detection and response systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance incident response and improve security practices, ensuring...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $199K *

Lead the charge in shaping innovative learning programs that drive organizational growth. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance professional development and ensure the strategic execution of initia...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$138K - $165K *

Shape the future of AI products by leading strategy, execution, and cross-functional collaboration. Drive innovation and deliver exceptional value through effective stakeholder influence and team lead...

CanadaRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$172K - $202K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Director Analyst, leveraging your expertise to guide senior IT executives in navigating digital workplace strategies. Deliver actionable insights that align technology...

Irving, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$118K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining nuclear power engineering by designing innovative systems and leading projects that enhance plant operations and safety. Collaborate with clients and drive impactful modi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Lead engineering projects in nuclear power systems design, focusing on modifications, analyses, and vendor evaluations. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$180K - $195K *

Drive impactful data science initiatives by building and operating ML systems. Manage end-to-end processes from modeling to evaluation, while mentoring a lean team and collaborating across departments...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$66K - $127K *

Shape the future of pharmaceutical marketing by leading PRC operations, ensuring compliance, and driving process improvements. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance promotional material review and...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead and develop a high-performing Applied AI team, driving the delivery of production AI systems while ensuring security, reliability, and operational excellence in healthcare applications...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Champion scalable deal operations by leading the Global Deal Desk, optimizing complex agreements across sales, finance, and legal. Drive AI integration to enhance workflows and ensure compliance while...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $170K *

Champion global payroll operations by managing processes, team leadership, and compliance initiatives across multiple regions, driving strategic improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy while e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Lead and execute regulatory strategies for multi-region clinical trials, ensuring compliance and timely submissions. Collaborate with project teams to manage risks and drive operational excellence thr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$220K - $245K *

Join us in overseeing regulatory affairs activities, developing strategies for clinical trials, and managing global submissions to ensure compliance and product approvals in a dynamic pharmaceutical e...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in executing strategic initiatives for a public sector subsidiary to ensure profitable growth, optimizing team performance, and aligning operations with government mandates and market...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$102K - $153K *

Champion compliance and quality assurance in the Pharmaceutical Diagnostics sector. Drive audits, analyze trends, and support regulatory inspections to enhance operational excellence and ensure adhere...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$135K - $210K *

Lead the charge in solving complex carrier connectivity challenges in commercial insurance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows and enhance product delivery, ensuring seaml...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $123K *

Unlock potential by bridging business problems with AI solutions, designing and deploying impactful tools within 90-day sprints. Collaborate with teams to streamline workflows, enhance decision-making...

Hoboken, NJRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$130K - $155K *

Lead the development of innovative Generative AI solutions, overseeing end-to-end processes from design to deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise systems and ensure...

Florida, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Drive customer satisfaction and sales in life sciences by leveraging your expertise to build relationships and execute strategic initiatives with key accounts in academia and industry...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team to drive growth in the pharmaceutical sector, leveraging your expertise to build relationships, win new business, and deliver impactful solutions that enhance brand performance and...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$173K - $220K *

Drive the security of AI infrastructure and cloud applications by implementing and enhancing DevSecOps practices. Collaborate with teams to integrate security into development workflows, ensuring robu...

Alameda, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$151K - $251K *

Drive the planning and execution of Flight Software development programs, ensuring seamless coordination between engineering and program management for timely delivery of spacecraft software systems...

Palo Alto, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive complex project implementations by leading cross-functional teams, managing deliverables, and ensuring compliance. Leverage Salesforce expertise to optimize processes and foster client relations...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$146K - $229K *

Drive the AI roadmap and deliver secure, scalable solutions that enhance decision-making and streamline workflows. Lead teams from experimentation to production, ensuring measurable business value and...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.