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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$114K - $165K *

Join our dynamic team to lead the development of high-performance backend solutions. Leverage your expertise in Java, microservices, and real-time data streaming to drive innovation and mentor a talen...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$223K - $235K *

Unlock potential by leading Ads Quality strategy for Sponsored Products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance ranking, relevance, and customer intent, driving significant revenue impact...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$132K - $178K *

Shape the future of quality management by overseeing GxP suppliers in R&D. Drive risk-based assessments and foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure compliance and operational excellence in cli...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading complex evaluations in healthcare innovation. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance Medicare and Medicaid services through rigorous research, technical expertise, and...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$80K - $100K *

Shape the future of medical communications by crafting high-quality, scientifically accurate content. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver impactful resources that meet client needs while mentori...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $140K *

Join our team to shape innovative industrial solutions, driving product strategy and execution. You'll lead cross-functional efforts, ensuring compliance and safety while delivering impactful products...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$102K - $125K *

Champion client success by leading a remote service team, driving process improvements, and managing complex data solutions. Collaborate across diverse teams to ensure timely deliverables and enhance...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Strategize customer success by leveraging performance software solutions to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability across diverse industries, ensuring effective project execution and...

Colorado, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$175K - $210K *

Champion the delivery of innovative GPU and HPC clusters, overseeing integration and production readiness. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure quality and timely deployment of complex infrastructure...

Texas, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $219K *

Elevate engineering excellence by guiding technical strategy and best practices across teams. Lead architectural vision, ensure reliability and security, and foster collaboration to build a cutting-ed...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $155K *

Lead the strategic direction and operations for a collaborative utility forum, driving key initiatives in electric distribution while engaging with senior utility leaders to enhance industry practices...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $100K *

Champion scientific innovation by developing SST datasets and algorithms with a team of experts. Leverage your skills in remote sensing and programming languages to enhance cloud masking and retrieval...

College Park, MDRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform enterprise endpoint capabilities by designing, securing, and automating solutions for diverse users. Collaborate with cybersecurity and support teams to ensure effective deployment and lifec...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our Legal and Compliance function. Lead operational improvements, manage budgets, and implement legal technology solutions in a dyn...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Explore a pivotal role in leading complex global security investigations, addressing threats from various sources. Drive proactive threat-hunting efforts and collaborate with cross-functional teams to...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $155K *

Explore a dynamic role combining application engineering with hands-on field support. Collaborate with customers and teams to troubleshoot and optimize solutions, ensuring successful installations and...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join us in shaping consumer insights strategy to drive brand growth and innovation. Lead research initiatives, establish methodologies, and partner with leadership to translate insights into actionabl...

Little Chute, WIRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in managing complex projects within our Medical capability, ensuring successful execution and meaningful outcomes. Collaborate with teams and clients, driving timelines and fostering r...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $225K *

Elevate your career by leading technical strategy for client systems, shaping architecture across platforms, and driving multi-team initiatives in a hands-on role that influences security and reliabil...

Massachusetts, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $144K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of scalable generative AI services, ensuring architectural integrity and mentoring teams. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to drive...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$160K - $180K *

Elevate healthcare creativity by leading innovative campaigns that transform client brands. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful experiences across digital channels, leveraging insights and eme...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $190K *

Elevate regulatory intelligence by translating complex changes into actionable insights, guiding product strategy and marketing efforts while establishing thought leadership and fostering relationship...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $150K *

Lead the charge in driving program delivery and portfolio management for a dynamic Security team, ensuring effective execution of enterprise initiatives while fostering cross-functional collaboration...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on environmental permitting and natural resource management. Collaborate on energy projects and infrastructure improvements while leveraging your...

Chelmsford, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$79K - $115K *

Unlock potential by serving as a strategic compensation resource, collaborating with HR and leadership to design and implement executive compensation programs that attract top talent and ensure market...

Somerville, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

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.