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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$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

$95K - $130K *

Lead the charge in clinical trial monitoring, ensuring compliance and quality through oversight, guidance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance site performance and study execution...

Boston, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$108K - $183K *

Champion a high-performing sales team focused on biopharma solutions, driving revenue growth and strategic customer relationships across a U.S. territory. Collaborate cross-functionally to maximize op...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$202K - $289K *

Champion growth in environmental services by leading business development, managing complex projects, and fostering client relationships in the power industry. Leverage your expertise to navigate regu...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining operational efficiency by architecting robust internal tools and applying AI to real-world challenges. You'll lead technical direction, drive impactful decisions, and enh...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$137K - $171K *

Engage healthcare providers as a scientific expert, delivering education and insights on oncology products. Collaborate with teams to support Medical Affairs initiatives while maintaining compliance a...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's pioneering biomarker research in oncology clinical studies. Drive innovative strategies, collaborate with experts, and contribute to the development of transformative therapies that...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Innovate with us as a Senior Software Engineer, driving core feature development and automation across the stack. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance scalability and performance in a dynamic, mi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$91K - $143K *

Unlock potential by providing high-level administrative support to senior executives, managing complex schedules, facilitating communication, and ensuring seamless operations in a dynamic environment...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Elevate client success by managing complex projects, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining budget integrity. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive engagement and optimize project outcomes from i...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $145K *

Engineer innovative systems and processes to enhance product delivery, ensuring cross-functional teams operate efficiently and effectively. Drive execution, manage stakeholder alignment, and facilitat...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to optimize supply chain operations, ensuring efficient medication delivery from pharmacy partners to patients. Oversee systems, processes, and a team to scale operations amidst ra...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$73K - $100K *

Accelerate progress at workforce development by managing training programs and initiatives that enhance public health laboratory capabilities. Collaborate with partners to design, implement, and evalu...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $120K *

Join a team that's transforming life sciences by leveraging AI and data to solve complex challenges. Collaborate with clients to design innovative solutions, influence product direction, and accelerat...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$191K - $238K *

Shape the future of oncology by leading medical strategy for prostate cancer projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive scientific communication and strategic initiatives, ensuring ali...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$83K - $117K *

Empower business growth by leading experimentation strategies and analytical initiatives. Utilize advanced statistical techniques to analyze complex datasets, influence decision-making, and drive impa...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Lead and elevate engineering solutions by managing complex projects, guiding teams, and ensuring quality compliance. Drive innovation and client engagement while overseeing multi-discipline resources...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$170K - $195K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing global power generation operations. You'll support fleet management, enhance O&M standards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across a diverse por...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$186K - $233K *

Empower the future of real-world analytics by leading programming activities for observational studies, ensuring high-quality deliverables through collaboration with cross-functional teams and innovat...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$82K - $105K *

Support the resolution of complex technical issues for Materials Characterization platforms, enhancing customer experience and instrument uptime through expert diagnostics and remote troubleshooting...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's defining strategies to win new business and drive growth. Lead capture development, engage stakeholders, and create compelling proposals to enhance competitive positioning and secur...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$114K - $160K *

Join a team that's redefining color solutions in the food and beverage industry. Leverage your technical expertise to drive customer engagement, lead innovative projects, and collaborate across teams...

Princeton, NJRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$122K - $204K *

Lead cross-functional teams to develop and implement global standards that enhance the reliability and performance of manufacturing processes, driving continuous improvement and cost reduction initiat...

Schenectady, NYRemote

3 weeks 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.