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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$125K - $150K *

Drive regulatory strategy across major programs, leading high-impact submissions and authority engagement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize clinical development and ensure complianc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of executive recruitment by leading strategic sourcing, engaging high-level candidates, and collaborating with a dedicated team to uncover top talent. This role offers growth opportun...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$113K - $146K *

Empower innovation by leading the design and implementation of advanced technology solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency, automate processes, and improve user experiences...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$140K - $190K *

Shape the future of customer projects by leading strategic SaaS implementations, ensuring exceptional execution and stakeholder engagement. As a key player, you'll drive project success through proact...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Unlock integrated marketing strategies to drive growth through data-driven campaigns, digital activation, and thought leadership, ensuring alignment with sales and operational goals for measurable bus...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Lead and grow a high-performing platform engineering team, setting vision and roadmap while collaborating with cross-functional leaders to enhance product velocity and reliability for enterprise custo...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$176K - $264K *

Champion success at deploying and maintaining impactful SaaS solutions through executive relationship management, driving customer adoption, and ensuring maximum value delivery. Collaborate with teams...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$176K - $264K *

Innovate customer success through strategic engagement, driving adoption, and maximizing value from deployments. Lead complex implementations, foster executive relationships, and balance growth with c...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$91K - $120K *

Drive quality assurance and compliance for GxP computerized systems, ensuring data integrity and regulatory adherence throughout the system lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhanc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Manage and lead complex technical programs across cross-functional teams, ensuring high-quality delivery against business objectives while fostering collaboration and mentorship, with a global impact...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Champion exceptional research outcomes by guiding clients through complex projects. Leverage your expertise in methodology and analysis to deliver actionable insights, while collaborating with cross-f...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Analyze and evaluate network anomalies in a 24/7 SOC environment. Collaborate with analysts on cyber threats, develop incident reports, and enhance SOC processes. Build test labs for research and prov...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Engage with clients as a trusted advisor, managing relationships and driving account growth. Oversee renewals and expansions while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure client success and satisfa...

Raleigh, NCRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Lead the development of robust blockchain data systems, enhancing performance and reliability. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful solutions that improve data quality and user experience while...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$146K - $183K *

Empower growth by leading full-cycle executive searches for Director and VP roles, focusing on Engineering, Product, Design, and Data. Collaborate with senior leaders to attract top talent and enhance...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$155K *

Transform complex challenges into impactful software solutions. Collaborate with engineers, designers, and justice leaders to drive product strategy and execution, enhancing the criminal justice syste...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $128K *

Champion continuous improvement initiatives across North America, driving safety, quality, and cost metrics. Collaborate with teams to implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies and foster a culture of op...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Manage complex digital investigations and data preservation efforts, leading a team in the collection and analysis of electronically stored information (ESI) while ensuring compliance with legal proto...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$150K - $180K *

Champion enterprise-level technical leadership in sterile fill engineering, ensuring compliance and excellence in biologics manufacturing. Drive strategic investments, enhance operational readiness, a...

North Chicago, ILRemote

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$259K - $350K *

Redefine the future of cybersecurity by leading product strategy for a cutting-edge Managed Detection & Response portfolio, driving innovation and customer success while managing a high-performing tea...

California, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $175K *

Lead the charge in developing impactful scientific content across therapeutic areas while managing projects, mentoring staff, and ensuring strategic alignment with client objectives to enhance brand v...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$176K - $264K *

Drive customer success by leading impactful deployments and fostering executive relationships, enhancing value from Workday solutions, all while ensuring customer satisfaction and revenue growth throu...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$148K - $175K *

Unlock your potential as a Director, leveraging insights and expertise to guide clients in navigating complex SaaS negotiations and market trends, while driving impactful strategies that enhance busin...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Champion customer solutions by rapidly prototyping and deploying AI-driven applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product capabilities and drive adoption, ensuring impactful...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$134K - $241K *

Champion trade compliance by leading a team to ensure adherence to regulations, manage risks, and implement strategies that align with business goals while fostering a culture of integrity and innovat...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

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.