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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$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

$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

$247K - $305K *

Support the strategic commercialization of rare disease therapies by leading marketing initiatives, collaborating cross-functionally, and optimizing brand strategies to enhance patient access and enga...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$181K - $224K *

Elevate global CMC regulatory strategies for commercial compounds. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance and timely submissions, while leading projects and maintaining expertise in regul...

Carlsbad, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $115K *

Partner with us to enhance client engagement and product success by leveraging your analytical skills and industry insights. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive improvements and support user adopt...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Innovate robust SaaS platforms by collaborating with cross-functional teams, building and enhancing features, and delivering customer-centric solutions throughout the development lifecycle...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Empower teams by building internal tools and automations to enhance support efficiency, diagnose issues, and collaborate with product and engineering for improved platform usability and customer exper...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Empower regulatory excellence by guiding cross-functional teams in compliance and strategy. Leverage deep FDA knowledge to influence promotional materials and ensure adherence to evolving regulations...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$138K - $165K *

Champion the future of quantum computing by defining product vision and driving development for innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate quantum capabilities into SAS...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$210K - $250K *

Drive the translational strategy for immunology therapies, focusing on biomarker development and clinical pharmacology. Collaborate cross-functionally to advance pipeline assets and support regulatory...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$172K - $202K *

Lead innovative insights and strategies as a Senior Director, driving impactful research and analysis to empower clients in navigating complex market challenges and achieving their business objectives...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $135K *

Elevate our proposal management efforts by leading strategic submissions, fostering collaboration among teams, and enhancing our pursuit capabilities to secure high-value projects that improve infrast...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $145K *

Elevate your career by leading strategic content development across diverse medical communications projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, accurate, and compliant con...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$103K - $138K *

Unlock potential by designing and automating secure, scalable AWS cloud platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance infrastructure reliability and streamline software delivery throug...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$150K - $180K *

Transform cloud infrastructure by leading strategy, team development, and automation. Drive security, reliability, and cost management while collaborating across functions to enhance operational excel...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$155K - $210K *

Shape the future of regulatory policy by leading initiatives that influence key decisions and drive alignment across teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to advocate for impactful policies that suppor...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $215K *

Elevate the technology function by leading engineering, delivery, and operations. Collaborate closely with leadership to shape technical strategy, ship code weekly, and ensure high standards in a dyna...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$160K - $180K *

Lead the charge in driving agile execution across product and engineering teams, managing digital product launches and enhancing client value through innovative solutions. Collaborate cross-functional...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$115K - $150K *

Champion strategic growth by leading M&A initiatives, conducting financial analysis, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive successful transactions and enhance corporate capabilities...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of engineering leadership. Drive multi-team collaboration, enhance delivery processes, and cultivate talent while ensuring quality and reliability in a dynamic Sa...

Toronto, ONRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$129K - $174K *

Lead a dynamic programming team to enhance data analysis strategies, ensuring high-quality biomedical data presentation while driving efficiency and innovation in a collaborative environment focused o...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of utility-scale transmission projects. Oversee contractor activities, ensure quality installations, and foster strong relationships while managing project logist...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $177K *

Optimize the CEO's effectiveness by managing schedules, travel, and communications. Collaborate with the Chief of Staff to ensure seamless operations and support executive priorities, enhancing organi...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 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.