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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$230K - $260K *

Help us drive sustainable revenue growth by analyzing opportunities, shaping strategies, and collaborating across teams to enhance profitability in the Americas region. Lead initiatives that transform...

Jersey City, NJRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Elevate your engineering career by leading innovative projects and driving strategic technology direction in a rapidly growing organization. Collaborate across teams to champion excellence and mentor...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Help us lead complex New Product Introduction projects, driving cross-functional teams to achieve project goals in scope, schedule, and quality while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and...

Hillsboro, ORRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$208K - $379K *

Reimagine the future of AI by leading product strategies that transform research into impactful tools for agent optimization, enhancing quality and efficiency across the industry...

Santa Clara, CARemote

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Unlock potential as you lead statistical activities for clinical trials, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive drug development. Utilize advanced statistical methods and oversee programmi...

Cambridge, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $335K *

Drive strategy and execution for Ads Delivery & Optimization, enhancing advertiser outcomes through advanced bidding, ranking, and measurement systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innov...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$170K - $190K *

Develop and scale backend systems for a data infrastructure platform, focusing on PostgreSQL, Kafka event pipelines, and GraphQL APIs. Collaborate across teams to enhance data usability and support cl...

Boston, MARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$285K - $320K *

Lead the charge in delivering Honeycomb Private Cloud, driving product growth, and collaborating across teams to enhance operational processes while building a high-performing engineering team to supp...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$179K - $341K *

Drive innovation in AI security by designing and implementing robust controls for AI applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security measures and mitigate risks in evolving A...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Redefine customer experience through strategic AI integration, bridging business and technology. Lead AI product management, ensuring cohesive delivery and governance while enhancing operational effic...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $250K *

Unlock potential by owning a product area end-to-end, collaborating with engineering and customers to drive innovation and deliver impactful solutions in a dynamic market...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$264K - $345K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI-driven collaboration. Lead innovative strategies and elevate product management by integrating AI in core offerings to enhance user experiences and drive im...

San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing clinical operations through strategic site identification and management. Leverage your expertise to build relationships, track project timelines, and contrib...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$162K - $244K *

Inspire innovation by engaging with Federal customers to implement cutting-edge quantum security solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate complex needs into actionable proposals, driving...

College Park, MDRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading PMO operations for a complex federal IT program. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure timely execution, effective risk management, and compliance, while maintaining sche...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$82K - $149K *

Lead the charge in material planning and supply chain execution for mission-critical defense programs. Oversee a team, manage priorities, and ensure compliance while driving operational excellence acr...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Elevate cloud solutions by designing, deploying, and managing scalable Azure infrastructures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance, security, and compliance while driv...

Texas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape innovative consumer experiences as a Product Manager, driving strategy, roadmap, and customer insights. Collaborate with marketing and engineering to expand distribution and elevate web and mobi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$89K - $148K *

Shape the future of integrated power systems by leading innovative solutions and ensuring seamless integration of complex technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional o...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$114K - $190K *

Engage with us to shape dynamic compensation strategies that drive enterprise growth, enhance employee engagement, and ensure compliance. Collaborate with HR leaders to tailor global rewards programs...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $200K *

Elevate your career by leading HCP engagement and clinical marketing initiatives. Drive strategic insights and educational content for the HSCT portfolio, fostering impactful connections and enhancing...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Unlock potential by leading global compensation strategies across multiple regions. Collaborate with HR and business leaders to execute merit cycles, benchmark roles, and innovate with AI tools to enh...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $200K *

Elevate healthcare technology by owning mobile and web apps that enhance clinician workflows. Drive product direction, prioritize initiatives, and ensure patient safety while leveraging AI to improve...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $160K *

Lead strategic life sciences accounts, driving growth and team development while ensuring project success and client satisfaction through strong relationships and innovative solutions...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$164K - $205K *

Elevate scientific rigor in real-world evidence development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure agent conceptualization and evaluation meet scientific standards, driving impactful solut...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.