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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1
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$150K - $190K *

Transform cyber risk management by leading product strategy for scanning and risk data. Collaborate across teams to enhance data accuracy, usability, and scalability, ensuring actionable insights for...

CanadaRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$175K - $220K *

Optimize the product strategy for scanning and risk data, connecting technical systems with user needs. Drive improvements in data quality, usability, and scalability while collaborating across teams...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$115K - $150K *

Innovate your career with a strategic role focused on omnichannel marketing. Lead data-driven insights and creative recommendations for a top financial services brand, collaborating across teams to en...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform core GRC platform capabilities into intelligent, agentic experiences. Own the product strategy, engage with stakeholders, and redefine user workflows while enhancing automation and flexibili...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$149K - $166K *

Lead the charge in advancing cutting-edge mechanical engineering solutions for high-performance electronics in space systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative designs that...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$123K - $157K *

Lead the charge in global sourcing strategies for plastics, driving supplier relationships and cost optimization while ensuring supply continuity and supporting new product introductions across manufa...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $178K *

Transform data governance by leading initiatives that bridge legal compliance, data security, and technology operations. Drive innovative self-service workflows while ensuring compliance across divers...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Champion the adoption of innovative physics products by building relationships, driving sales processes, and translating complex research needs into actionable solutions, enhancing usage and revenue i...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$117K - $158K *

Unlock potential by leading complex client engagements, ensuring timely delivery, budget management, and effective resource utilization while navigating challenges in a dynamic environment. Empower te...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$150K - $190K *

Help us shape the future of AI operations by leading a dynamic team focused on innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and technical excellence in agentic environments. Drive growth and operatio...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform customer data integration strategies by leveraging your expertise to guide clients in optimizing data flow into the Fusion platform, ensuring reliability and value across complex environment...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$152K - $202K *

Lead the charge in shaping the digital solutions for Service & Repair, driving strategy and execution across a diverse portfolio. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $160K *

Join our dynamic team as you drive impactful solutions in an AI-Native environment. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance customer experiences and strategically guide product direction while focus...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$86K - $165K *

Lead procurement initiatives by managing supplier relationships and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate across teams to drive strategic sourcing and achieve business objectives while bal...

Texas, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $213K *

Lead the charge in advancing transformative cystic fibrosis research initiatives. Oversee grant application processes, ensure impactful projects align with mission, and engage with key researchers whi...

Maryland, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$120K - $145K *

Unlock innovative solutions by shaping the technical vision and architecture for clinical technology platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex requirements into secure, s...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$158K - $199K *

Unlock potential by leading global client strategies, driving growth and retention through trusted relationships and innovative solutions. Leverage your expertise to enhance client value and execute a...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$225K - $324K *

Accelerate growth by leading global enablement initiatives that empower sellers, engineers, and partners. Drive strategic programs, enhance skills, and ensure readiness for a multi-product platform in...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $327K *

Unlock potential by leading AI physics product management, collaborating cross-functionally to develop and execute strategies, and engaging audiences to deliver high-impact solutions in accelerated co...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $120K *

Unlock potential by optimizing commercial processes through AI and analytics. Collaborate with teams to enhance efficiency, forecasting, and decision-making, driving impactful business outcomes across...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $117K *

Champion software quality by analyzing healthcare data, developing test cases, and executing both manual and automated tests. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with clinical...

Connecticut, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Lead the transformation of innovative technologies into market-ready products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify customer needs, prototype solutions, and drive commercialization fr...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$273K - $370K *

Unlock potential by leading AI strategy and architecture across multiple organizations, driving innovation in security technology. Shape investments, mentor talent, and establish standards to ensure i...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $178K *

Pioneer a comprehensive Computer System Validation strategy across GxP systems. Collaborate with Quality and IT to drive compliance and data integrity while enhancing efficiency in validation processe...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $200K *

Champion strategic sales initiatives to maximize global key accounts in Bioanalytical Labs. Drive growth through relationship-building, account management, and collaboration with cross-functional team...

Virginia, MNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.