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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$140K - $190K *

Architect and drive the development of a cloud-native data enrichment service, ensuring performance and scalability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices while mentoring...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $190K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of SaaS architecture. As a Staff Software Engineer, you'll design scalable solutions, mentor peers, and enhance developer experience, driving impactful modernizat...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $100K *

Transform business needs into actionable requirements, driving system enhancements and operational improvements. Collaborate across teams to ensure clarity and alignment, leveraging data analysis and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in software engineering excellence, guiding modernization initiatives while mentoring engineers to enhance reliability and scalability in cloud environments...

Maryland, USRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$79K - $122K *

Shape the future of IT capabilities by leading requirements analysis and advisory support for a Department of War agency. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver data-driven insights and enhance ente...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $172K *

Shape the future of healthcare by leading complex data ingestion initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive program delivery, manage risks, and ensure operational excellence while t...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$150K - $189K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing innovative marketing strategies for oncology products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful launches and impactful customer engage...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$163K - $224K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead the design and development of innovative healthcare classification methodologies, enhancing payment accuracy and quality outcomes while collaborating with diverse stake...

Albany, NYRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$229K - $330K *

Transform financial strategy for GTM operations, driving growth through data-driven insights and modernized processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance, optimize investme...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$103K - $138K *

Lead the charge in ensuring quality assurance for Field Engineering projects, acting as the key liaison among internal teams and customers. Oversee inspections, audits, and corrective actions to meet...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$103K - $138K *

Lead the charge in deploying and managing complex network installations, ensuring quality control and effective project execution while collaborating with internal teams and subcontractors to meet ope...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$103K - $138K *

Engineer and oversee site implementations, ensuring quality control and effective project management for network installations. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot and maintain operational standard...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $145K *

Elevate client engagement by designing and delivering high-impact executive experiences. Lead flagship events and premium convenings that enhance Nielsen's brand perception and drive strategic account...

New York, NYRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$186K - $219K *

Champion data science initiatives by defining KPIs, leading analytics frameworks, and mentoring teams. Drive decision-making through trusted metrics and scalable workflows, aligning cross-functional p...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$183K - $216K *

Unlock your potential by leading data science initiatives that drive impactful decision-making and enhance analytical frameworks across teams, ensuring rigorous performance standards and scalable self...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$83K - $142K *

Accelerate growth in the Life Science sector by leveraging scientific expertise and consultative selling. Collaborate with sales teams and partners to identify opportunities, develop solutions, and st...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$213K - $243K *

Champion the development of a robust commercial data strategy, ensuring high-quality, AI-ready data solutions that drive impactful decision-making and enhance commercial performance across the organiz...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$157K - $298K *

Shape integrated talent strategies to enhance business performance by partnering with senior leaders and HR teams, assessing organizational needs, and driving leadership development across a complex...

Massachusetts, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in managing projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver results on time while effectively co...

Arkansas, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$210K - $275K *

Transform regulatory affairs in oncology by leading strategic submission initiatives and cross-functional collaborations, ensuring compliance and quality for impactful development programs. Drive regu...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K *

Optimize cloud strategies for partners by transforming Google Cloud and AI opportunities into sustainable workloads, guiding technical and commercial discussions, and fostering repeatable practices fo...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Elevate innovation by driving ideation, rapid prototyping, and AI initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to transform concepts into impactful solutions, leveraging emerging technologies and story...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $225K *

Lead the charge in delivering exceptional services to State and Local Government accounts. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance customer satisfaction, and support business development efforts while ma...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in transforming marketing operations through innovative MarTech solutions, driving student and partner success while optimizing efficiency across a multi-brand ecosystem. Own product s...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$100K - $120K *

Champion business growth by developing key account strategies and managing customer relationships. Drive order intake and profit levels while collaborating with teams to create winning proposals and e...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.