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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$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

$150K - $190K *

Drive member activation by leading a cross-functional team to optimize outreach, incentives, and messaging strategies. Own the activation roadmap and funnel metrics to enhance engagement and ensure sc...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Engage with clients to enhance financial processes using Infor M3. Lead implementations, provide expert advice, and deliver training while ensuring system integrity and continuous improvement in finan...

Belleville, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead the evolution of our GTM Systems Architecture, enhancing Salesforce and its tech stack for AI-native workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build a trusted data foundation and driv...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$180K - $220K *

Lead the development and execution of global government affairs strategies, fostering relationships with key stakeholders and providing strategic counsel on policy and regulatory matters impacting the...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$132K - $148K *

Lead global project management initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards while fostering client relationships and team collaboration. Drive operational excellence and manage project...

Durham, NCRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in providing strategic legal guidance for commercial agreements, balancing risk management with revenue growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to negotiate and optimize contra...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$192K - $288K *

Lead the charge in EDC Programming, overseeing global operations and ensuring high-quality clinical data management. Drive strategic initiatives, manage vendor relationships, and enhance data standard...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Elevate sustainability initiatives by leading client engagements in impact inventory, strategy development, and target tracking. Utilize analytical tools to transform sustainability challenges into ac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing process engineering in Life Sciences. Lead complex design projects, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and mentor junior engineers while enhancing your...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$100K - $151K *

Shape the future of logistics in pharmaceutical diagnostics by managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and developing sourcing strategies to enhance operational efficiency and compliance...

Arlington Heights, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$155K - $200K *

Elevate product management by driving vision, strategy, and execution across digital solutions in clinical development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and operation...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$151K - $314K *

Transform global talent management by leading high-performance culture initiatives, driving data-driven strategies, and enhancing organizational effectiveness across diverse functions and geographies...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$210K - $250K *

Champion patient safety by providing medical expertise in global clinical studies, ensuring compliance and effective communication across teams while enhancing trial participant recruitment and retent...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $193K *

Shape the future of healthcare data science by leading advanced analytics and machine learning initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex datasets into actionable insigh...

San Diego, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $140K *

Unlock your potential as a Program Manager, leading complex cybersecurity initiatives. Drive project success by coordinating resources, managing timelines, and ensuring the protection of sensitive dat...

Virginia, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$127K - $203K *

Join the charge in shaping technical solutions by transforming stakeholder needs into actionable requirements, fostering collaboration within teams, and ensuring project success throughout the product...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $200K *

Join a team that's redefining architectural excellence by leading global projects, driving business growth, and fostering client relationships while overseeing studio operations and strategic initiati...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

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

$125K - $160K *

Drive client success in our lab network by managing relationships, ensuring renewals, and identifying growth opportunities. Collaborate across teams to enhance processes and improve client experiences...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Transform complex data into actionable insights by owning end-to-end data initiatives. Design scalable pipelines and models that enhance product features and analytics, ensuring data quality and relia...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K - $145K *

Elevate your career by driving business development within the rapidly expanding data center market, focusing on strategic relationships and collaborative sales to deliver innovative solutions to top...

Denver, CORemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining law enforcement experiences by transforming data into actionable insights. Lead high-stakes product management initiatives that enhance decision-making and optimize workf...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$140K - $210K *

Drive your career with impactful Workday Grants Management solutions. Collaborate with mission-driven organizations to design, configure, and deploy systems that ensure accuracy and long-term success...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

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.