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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$100K - $140K *

Champion the modernization of Order-to-Cash processes, driving efficiency and accuracy in billing and collections. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize NetSuite ERP, enhancing financial...

California, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$172K - $240K *

Join a team that's redefining AI security! As a Principal AI Security Engineer, you'll lead assessments, design controls, and partner with teams to ensure safe AI adoption across the enterprise, drivi...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$84K - $167K *

Drive impactful AI evaluations by leading business analysis initiatives, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure proposed solutions meet real needs and deliver measurable value, ultimately guiding...

Durham, NCRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$198K - $230K *

Drive innovation in metabolic health by integrating clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance product offerings that support health insights in a dyn...

San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate as a Senior Medical Writer, delivering high-quality regulatory documents while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and operational excellence in a remote setting...

North Carolina, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Champion the clinical supply chain for late-stage oncology trials, ensuring seamless operations and communication between sites, suppliers, and stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement and complianc...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Advance creative strategies as a Copy Supervisor, leading healthcare writing projects. Collaborate with teams to craft compelling messages for HCP campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and impactful c...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Explore the dynamic role of a Program Manager, overseeing end-to-end data collection programs. Drive operational excellence, client satisfaction, and strategic execution in a fast-paced environment, e...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $140K *

Shape the future of public service by leading technology consulting projects that enhance operational efficiency and strategic goals for state and local agencies, ensuring compliance and delivering im...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$70K - $105K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project execution and operational excellence in medical communications. Leverage your project management skills to ensure timely delivery and high-qual...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$69K - $105K *

Elevate your research career by conducting impactful studies that enhance crisis services. Collaborate with experts to analyze data, develop tools, and contribute to vital evaluations that support the...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Champion the monetization strategy for operations orchestration, driving pricing, packaging, and go-to-market initiatives. Collaborate closely with engineering and finance to optimize unit economics a...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $148K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AEC software by leading engineering talent and enhancing workflows. Drive innovation in Autodesk Revit add-ins and tools while fostering a collaborative enviro...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$126K - $176K *

Lead the charge in managing complex data center projects, ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery. Collaborate with diverse teams to foster relationships and drive strategic improvements while e...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$125K - $175K *

Lead and optimize project management efforts, ensuring safety and efficiency while fostering strong relationships with clients and teams. Drive strategic improvements and mentor diverse teams to achie...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$125K - $175K *

Elevate project outcomes by leading diverse teams, ensuring safety, and driving effective communication. Leverage your expertise in construction management to enhance processes and foster strong clien...

Dallas, TXRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$125K - $140K *

Join a team that's dedicated to operational excellence and strategic leadership in laboratory services. Drive compliance, enhance customer relationships, and lead a talented team to deliver high-quali...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$184K - $314K *

Elevate executive recruiting by leading VP-level searches, advising C-suite leaders, and shaping talent strategies. Drive high-impact hiring decisions while managing multiple confidential searches in...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to drive technical success and adoption across enterprise accounts. Leverage your expertise in project management and technical execution to enhance deployment health and fuel acco...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$238K - $280K *

Lead the charge in developing autonomous attack workflows for external surfaces, leveraging your expertise to enhance reconnaissance capabilities and mentor engineers while driving strategic technical...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$232K - $325K *

Join a dynamic team to lead the development of advanced analytics tools, leveraging your expertise in statistics and machine learning to drive impactful decision-making across the organization...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$96K - $132K *

Empower your career by leading sustainable procurement initiatives. Drive supplier engagement, emissions reduction strategies, and diversity programs while managing critical operational systems to enh...

Minnesota, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $180K *

Partner with us to drive business development initiatives in the water treatment sector, fostering client relationships and solutions. Collaborate with leadership and teams, navigating client needs an...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$162K - $225K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of fintech through M&A, fundraising, and strategic projects. Collaborate with executives to drive impactful decisions and build corporate development capabilities...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $150K *

Shape large-scale system integration projects by managing technical aspects, leading workshops, and ensuring successful implementation of ADMS/OMS systems while collaborating with clients and project...

Florida, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.