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

$110K - $130K *

Lead cross-functional project execution in Medication Contracting, translating strategic priorities into actionable plans. Drive improvements, manage risks, and enhance collaboration across teams to e...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$133K - $173K *

Pioneer innovative data analytics solutions to enhance clinical trial efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement technical strategies that support the Programming tea...

New Jersey, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Elevate your career by leading technical direction for critical enterprise systems. Drive architectural decisions, collaborate across teams, and ensure reliability and scalability while actively contr...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$148K - $256K *

Shape the future of data engineering by architecting scalable, cloud-native data platforms on Azure and Databricks. Influence the organization’s data practices to leverage AI-driven insights, driving...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of stablecoin infrastructure by leading product management, driving execution, and developing a high-impact team. Collaborate closely with customers and engineering to enhance adoptio...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $225K *

Oversee complex industrial construction projects, ensuring safety, quality, and timely completion. Lead multidisciplinary teams, manage contractor performance, and coordinate with stakeholders to achi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$150K - $180K *

Champion the evolution of brand marketing by leading a dynamic team, crafting compelling campaigns, and enhancing executive communications to elevate brand presence and engagement across all platforms...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$232K - $319K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by leading a dynamic team of Solutions Engineers. Drive partner engagement, foster relationships, and execute strategic initiatives to enhance per...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Empower our privacy program by automating processes, managing data subject requests, and ensuring compliance with GDPR and CCPA. You'll leverage technical skills to build scalable tools and systems, d...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Transform your career by leading complex high-voltage protection and control projects, mentoring engineers, and driving technical governance across utilities. Collaborate on innovative solutions that...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $180K *

Contribute to high voltage substation projects by providing technical governance, mentoring engineers, and solving complex protection and control challenges from design to completion...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$186K - $233K *

Shape impactful marketing strategies for lung cancer programs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive patient engagement and launch readiness. Lead initiatives that align with brand goals...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$229K - $310K *

Drive project management and business development to enhance operational efficiency in life sciences R&D, while leading diverse teams and ensuring profitability through strategic customer engagement a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $185K *

Lead global project management efforts, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards while fostering client relationships and team collaboration. Drive operational excellence in clinical research, p...

Durham, NCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$240K - $290K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team focused on production and infrastructure. Drive performance, foster collaboration, and deliver innovative solutions while managing diverse tec...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Support manufacturers by implementing solutions that enhance operational performance. Collaborate with teams to drive adoption and deliver measurable improvements, ensuring lasting value from the plat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$97K - $156K *

Elevate global tradeshow success by leading strategy, planning, and execution. Drive brand awareness and customer engagement while managing cross-functional partnerships and delivering measurable impa...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$79K - $157K *

Drive impactful clinical data management across global projects, ensuring high-quality data delivery from start to finish. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead process improvements while m...

Durham, NCRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Champion HR excellence for our pharmacy network, driving strategic growth and alignment across teams. Lead a dedicated HR team, enhance leadership capabilities, and ensure compliance while fostering a...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$124K - $199K *

Unlock potential by leading a comprehensive compliance management system, ensuring audit readiness and regulatory adherence across multiple domains while fostering cross-functional collaboration and s...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$254K - $382K *

Transform clinical research by leading strategic medical initiatives, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering collaboration across teams. Drive innovation and mentor future leaders while delive...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $120K *

Join our dynamic sales team to drive revenue growth and foster customer relationships. You'll leverage our scientific portfolio to meet client needs, execute strategic plans, and enhance market share...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$124K - $186K *

Lead the implementation of innovative clinical data solutions to enhance trial efficiency and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data usage and drive continuous improvement i...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$71K - $119K *

Drive customer success by leveraging expertise in intellectual property solutions, enhancing product adoption, and delivering exceptional experiences through strategic engagement and training initiati...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$160K - $190K *

Transform regulatory affairs by leading strategic initiatives in advertising, promotion, and labelling for global products. Drive compliance and innovation while collaborating with cross-functional te...

New Jersey, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.