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

$117K - $156K *

Shape the future of clinical trials by managing the execution and oversight of Class III medical device studies. Collaborate with teams and ensure compliance, quality standards, and operational succes...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$164K - $246K *

Drive innovative pharmacometrics strategies to support drug development programs. Lead cross-functional teams in population PK/PD analysis, regulatory submissions, and ensure effective integration of...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $250K *

Join us to architect and lead the development of scalable fintech solutions. As a technical leader, you'll drive innovation, mentor teams, and ensure architectural integrity while shaping the future o...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Contribute to strategic leadership in engineering management, aligning execution with business goals. Drive portfolio success, enhance client satisfaction, and empower teams to optimize performance in...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Empower scientific innovation by providing expert installation and maintenance of advanced analytical equipment. Build strong customer relationships while resolving complex issues and ensuring optimal...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Champion the standardization of field service operations by driving quality and efficiency improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices and technologies, enhancing...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$66K - $116K *

Elevate your career by joining a team that reviews and edits informed consent forms, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while mentoring new editors and enhancing organizational knowledge in...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$285K - $385K *

Lead regulatory due diligence for clinical/commercial assets, assessing risks and strategies for licensing, acquisitions, and partnerships. Collaborate across teams to ensure regulatory integration in...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$132K - $198K *

Elevate quality assurance practices by leading test strategy and execution for customer implementations. Collaborate with teams to enhance product quality, mitigate risks, and establish scalable testi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$180K - $200K *

Champion innovation by developing scalable backend solutions and troubleshooting complex issues within our Cyber-Physical Systems platform. Collaborate with global teams to enhance performance and ens...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring compliance for Crop Protection products. Lead regulatory strategies, manage submissions, and collaborate across departments to navigate complex regulations in...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$145K - $175K *

Shape the future of software engineering by leading modernization efforts, solving complex technical challenges, and mentoring teams. Collaborate across product boundaries to enhance system architectu...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

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

$115K - $130K *

Unlock potential by driving sales of drug discovery services and products, fostering client relationships, and developing strategic business plans to achieve regional targets while ensuring high custo...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to lead distribution consulting initiatives, drive operational excellence, and mentor engineers. Shape industry standards as the primary expert in distribution planning while foste...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Optimize our product suite to elevate financial advisory capabilities through innovative AI solutions. Lead the entire product lifecycle, collaborating with diverse teams to transform complex workflow...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining the buyer experience in B2B software. As a Principal Product Manager, you'll lead strategy, drive product delivery, and enhance buyer trust across multiple platforms, ens...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$221K - $387K *

Lead the charge in adapting global AI product strategies to local markets, ensuring commercial success through tailored solutions, effective sales enablement, and customer engagement. Drive innovation...

Santa Clara, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform client relationships by managing pharmaceutical programs, overseeing staff, and ensuring operational excellence. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance program performance while adhering t...

North Carolina, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$152K - $170K *

Lead the charge in optimizing global research operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency across diverse projects. Oversee strategic initiatives, manage resources, and collaborate with stakeholders...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

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

$168K - $280K *

Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge embedded flight software for NASA's Artemis program, ensuring robust architectures and rigorous testing to meet mission-critical requirements in a dynamic, c...

Palo Alto, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $200K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive engineering success for a major customer account, ensuring technical excellence, strategic alignment, and sustained account growth through innovative s...

New Hampshire, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $125K *

Drive the deployment of healthcare technology across multiple VA facilities, coordinating projects and ensuring readiness. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage timelines, resolve issues, and deliv...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $100K *

Advance impactful medical communications by crafting precise, engaging content. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy and alignment with client objectives while mentoring junior s...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive the development of high-quality regulatory and clinical documents, leading medical writing efforts and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $156K *

Join a dynamic team as you oversee complex software deployments, ensuring governance and stakeholder engagement across multiple sites. Drive successful outcomes for strategic customers while managing...

Tucson, AZRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.