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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$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

$88K - $105K *

Engage with cross-functional teams to drive successful project implementations and enhancements in a fast-paced SaaS environment, ensuring customer satisfaction and adherence to quality standards thro...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$172K - $202K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative insights and strategies for clients, leveraging in-depth market analysis and research expertise to address complex challenges and drive actionable results for...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Drive the design and development of innovative software solutions while mentoring junior engineers. Leverage extensive technical expertise to enhance system architecture and ensure high-quality delive...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$116K - $155K *

Lead the charge in defining and optimizing global ICSR processes, ensuring compliance and quality in pharmacovigilance operations. Collaborate across teams to enhance safety standards and drive contin...

Research Triangle Park, NCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$113K - $164K *

Lead the charge in enhancing client success by strategically advising high-impact clients, fostering executive relationships, and driving solution adoption while mitigating risks and ensuring measurab...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$179K - $224K *

Join a team that's driving strategic operations for a dynamic GTM Engine. Lead cross-functional initiatives, streamline processes, and enhance collaboration across teams to optimize customer engagemen...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$119K - $149K *

Lead full-cycle recruiting for technical and analytical roles, partnering with teams to define success and build diverse talent pipelines. Utilize creative sourcing and data-driven insights to enhance...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$215K - $260K *

Lead the charge in driving enterprise-wide initiatives, ensuring strategic client adoption and value realization. Collaborate across teams to deliver measurable outcomes in growth, quality, and operat...

Austin, TXRemote

1 month ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Business Services

$128K - $153K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of technology by delivering impactful software solutions. Collaborate on innovative projects, optimize data operations, and enhance user experiences while support...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$105K - $120K *

Lead the charge in ensuring quality control of agency deliverables, fostering collaboration across teams, and mentoring junior staff. This role demands strong editing skills and the ability to manage...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $135K *

Shape the future of personalized marketing by leading strategy and execution across digital channels. Collaborate with teams to define impactful customer journeys and optimize campaigns for measurable...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$230K - $250K *

Innovate with us to lead a talented engineering team, driving technical strategy and cross-functional collaboration. Shape impactful systems in billing and enrollment while fostering a culture of owne...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $160K *

Join a team that's building innovative software for AI labs, enabling seamless management of compute resources across multiple clusters. Collaborate with engineers to create impactful solutions that e...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$197K - $241K *

Join a dedicated team leading multi-site clinical research projects. Drive excellence in study design, operational oversight, and collaboration with key stakeholders to advance public health research...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $154K *

Transform supply chain operations by managing SAP systems and processes, ensuring seamless logistics and distribution support. Drive efficiency and issue resolution across Commercial and Clinical Supp...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Transform the recruitment landscape by owning full-cycle hiring for GTM and R&D teams. Engage with stakeholders, shape strategies, and drive hiring velocity while ensuring a positive candidate experie...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $190K *

Empower your career by leading logistics strategy for hydrogen transportation. Drive operational excellence, manage a $15M budget, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance supply chain p...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$180K - $207K *

Innovate AI and ML systems as a Principal Architect, collaborating with teams to design agentic architectures and scalable solutions. Drive production delivery while shaping standards and best practic...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in developing and communicating clinical evidence for innovations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage research, publications, and scientific communications, ensuring imp...

New Jersey, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $139K *

Elevate your career by leading customer advocacy initiatives that drive engagement and impact. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance customer relationships and leverage insights for program growth...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $260K *

Lead a team that shapes geotechnical engineering standards and quality. Engage with infrastructure stakeholders to enhance trust in subsurface intelligence technology while driving technical excellenc...

New York, NYRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $260K *

Join us to lead geotechnical engineering standards and quality, driving technical credibility and customer engagement in civil infrastructure projects. Collaborate across teams to translate engineerin...

California, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $260K *

Champion geotechnical engineering excellence by leading standards and quality. Engage with infrastructure stakeholders to enhance trust in subsurface intelligence technology while driving collaboratio...

Denver, CORemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $260K *

Shape the future of geotechnical engineering by leading standards and quality initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product capabilities and drive customer engagement in comp...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.