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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$160K - $190K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing enterprise AI architecture strategy, ensuring scalable, ethical AI integration across platforms. Drive innovation through Generative and Agentic AI, aligning...

Florida, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$185K - $225K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of innovative project management, collaborating with scientists and engineers to drive complex client engagements. Your expertise will ensure successful delivery an...

Redwood City, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Grow your career with a dynamic leadership role overseeing sales strategies and team development in the Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry sectors, driving revenue growth and customer satisfaction thr...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $175K *

Transform your career by leading cross-functional teams to drive drug development strategies. Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure successful execution of integrated plans, manage risks, and de...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $205K *

Transform client relationships and drive growth by leading strategic initiatives in scientific visualization, medical education, and digital engagement. Manage multidisciplinary teams and oversee acco...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Champion project success by leading clinical trials from initiation to closure, ensuring compliance with budgets, timelines, and regulations while fostering collaboration among stakeholders and team m...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $156K *

Elevate strategic decision-making by managing integrated program plans, ensuring accurate portfolio data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced...

Cambridge, MARemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in establishing a robust project management portfolio, optimizing planning and execution processes at the Space Weather Prediction Center. Drive continuous improvement and support lead...

Boulder, CORemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$177K - $283K *

Unlock potential by leading pharmacokinetic modeling for early-stage drug development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in statistical analysis and project management, ensuring compliance and delivering insights across complex projects. Mentor team members while collaborating with sponsors and regulator...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $155K *

Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by designing innovative fluid and power systems. As a Process Engineer, you'll drive the development and optimization of cutting-edge technologies in a f...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$129K - $231K *

Reimagine drug discovery as you lead molecular pharmacology efforts in neuroscience. Collaborate across teams to develop strategies, interpret data, and advance innovative therapies for sleep-wake dis...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $228K *

Drive enterprise Quality and Regulatory governance for U.S. operations, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and overseeing manufacturing quality in the therapeutic radiopharmaceutical sector whil...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical research by managing complex studies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones efficien...

Boston, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $312K *

Advance user modeling by driving complex AI projects end-to-end, collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate cutting-edge research into impactful solutions for home shopping experiences...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$140K - $270K *

Unlock your potential as a Research Scientist, driving AI innovations in healthcare. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement cutting-edge machine learning models that enhance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

Lead cross-functional teams to drive enterprise modernization through AI solutions. Oversee complex implementations, ensuring alignment across technical and business stakeholders while delivering meas...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$241K - $295K *

Drive drug substance commercial manufacturing excellence by leading technology transfer, operational oversight, and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple CDMO sites, ensuring alignment wi...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$128K - $184K *

Join a team that's redefining bioprocessing solutions in the life sciences sector. Drive sales, develop key accounts, and collaborate with a dynamic commercial team to enhance customer relationships a...

Massachusetts, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$128K - $184K *

Join a team that's driving innovative bioprocessing solutions in the life sciences sector. Leverage your sales expertise to manage key accounts and develop new opportunities across a dynamic territory...

Massachusetts, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$263K - $395K *

Transform the technical landscape by defining and delivering innovative solutions, mentoring engineers, and shaping strategic initiatives to enhance system architecture and performance across the orga...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$185K - $215K *

Take ownership of analytical development initiatives, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and high-quality documentation for multiple projects. Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Advance operational excellence by leading a high-performing Field Service team across North America. Drive customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and continuous improvement while ensuring safe an...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Empower a high-performing team of Field Service Engineers across North America, driving operational excellence and customer satisfaction while ensuring compliance and continuous improvement in service...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $115K *

Champion impactful research initiatives by leading projects from design to delivery, enhancing client relationships and delivering actionable insights for top B2B brands. Collaborate with teams to dri...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

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.