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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$130K - $170K *

Execute end-to-end digital onboarding of complex AI data center infrastructure, managing cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery, stability, and optimization of high-performance systems for p...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $175K *

Elevate your career by leading data, analytics, and AI initiatives that drive strategic decision-making and operational excellence. Shape the future of our data ecosystem while collaborating with seni...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$154K - $246K *

Join a dynamic team to lead advanced network planning initiatives, guiding strategic projects and shaping product roadmaps. Leverage your expertise to drive innovation in network optimization and ment...

Ottawa, ONRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$90K - $115K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative social media programs that connect healthcare clients with their audiences. Drive strategic content development and manage cross-functional teams to ensure im...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$163K - $239K *

Join us to drive strategic growth and profitability for key corporate accounts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions, establish pricing policies, and cultivate long...

Delaware, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$148K - $210K *

Join us to lead and grow the power engineering team, managing high-level projects in substation design and grid integration. Drive technical excellence and strategic initiatives while shaping our serv...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$233K - $500K+*

Lead the development and execution of innovative global compensation strategies, partnering with stakeholders to enhance employee engagement while ensuring compliance and effectiveness in a dynamic ma...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$118K - $178K *

Lead the charge in Oncology companion diagnostics business development, collaborating globally to implement strategies that enhance market penetration and drive growth in the biopharmaceutical sector...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$156K - $215K *

Unlock your potential by leading quality engineering initiatives across diverse technology portfolios. Drive automation, enhance delivery quality, and foster team growth while collaborating with cross...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $185K *

Empower clients by leveraging deep ONESOURCE Direct Tax expertise to design innovative solutions using AI and automation tools. Engage directly with customers, manage projects, and drive efficiency wh...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$170K - $220K *

Lead continuous improvement initiatives across QSR operations, driving cultural transformation and operational excellence. Manage CI strategies, develop leaders, and ensure alignment with enterprise g...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $150K *

Advance your career by leading complex enterprise implementations, driving customer adoption, and ensuring measurable value realization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to operationalize solut...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$250K - $300K *

Empower the future of AI in commerce media by leading strategy and execution across AI Labs and Data Science. Drive customer engagement, scale capabilities, and enhance product impact while building a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$69K - $117K *

Serve as a vital link to customers by developing relationships and providing tailored solutions. Leverage sales strategies and insights to enhance customer satisfaction and drive growth, while collabo...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $215K *

Lead the charge in driving enterprise sales for strategic consulting accounts, coaching a team of Account Executives while managing complex sales cycles. Build executive relationships and execute grow...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $140K *

Champion supply chain excellence by leading procurement activities for construction projects, ensuring alignment with schedules, budgets, and quality standards while mentoring specialists and driving...

United StatesRemote

Today

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

$111K - $207K *

Empower growth by shaping executive talent strategies that drive success. Partner with senior leaders to enhance recruitment processes, develop talent pipelines, and advise on market trends, while ens...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead the IT workstream in executing complex business separations and transformations, managing cross-functional teams, and coordinating critical activities to ensure successful outcomes in a dynamic e...

Dallas, TXRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$202K - $334K *

Lead the charge in developing a high-performing team of Partner Technology Architects, driving partner growth through technical excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption while ensuring impactful...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $250K *

Join us in shaping technical strategies and growth initiatives for federal opportunities. Collaborate across teams to develop compelling solutions that drive success in complex pursuits, ensuring alig...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$168K - $281K *

Architect cutting-edge AI solutions as the design authority for Cyber Architecture. Lead a team of architects to define agentic frameworks and data fabric, ensuring robust AI/ML implementations across...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $325K *

Elevate the Risk & Compliance strategy for R&D, leading a team to foster a risk-aware culture, manage budgets, and engage with stakeholders to ensure effective cyber risk management across GSK's resea...

Philadelphia, PARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Elevate software solutions by designing and developing applications that enhance genetic testing workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and efficiency in clinical dia...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $166K *

Optimize site contract management by reviewing, drafting, and negotiating various legal agreements. Collaborate with clinical teams to ensure timely deliverables and serve as a subject matter expert i...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$114K - $190K *

Build a resilient Site Reliability Engineering practice, leading a global team to enhance cloud platform reliability, scalability, and operational excellence while fostering collaboration and continuo...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.