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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$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in engineering excellence, overseeing a team of 60 while driving AI initiatives and enhancing operational strategies. Collaborate with product leadership to elevate engineering practic...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$272K - $340K *

Lead the charge in shaping a global supply chain strategy that ensures seamless delivery of clinical and commercial products. Build a high-performing team and foster partnerships to meet regulatory st...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $248K *

Lead enterprise-scale operations for cloud services, ensuring performance and customer satisfaction. Drive a multidisciplinary team, manage service transitions, and leverage data-driven metrics to enh...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$87K - $140K *

Empower your career by tackling complex technical challenges as a Senior Engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable solutions, mentor peers, and drive innovation in a dynamic...

Naperville, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role overseeing commissioning for utility-scale PV and BESS projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless execution, optimize processes, and manage techn...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$207K - $250K *

Unlock your potential as you lead engineering teams in building innovative platforms and AI experiences. Collaborate across departments to drive technical direction and elevate team performance while...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Transform security engagements by leading a team of penetration testers. Manage projects from initiation to reporting, mentor consultants, and enhance client relationships while driving service develo...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Drive the strategy and execution of third-party data integrations, enhancing Bridg's identity resolution across the marketing ecosystem. Collaborate with partners and internal teams to deliver impactf...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$200K *

Transform the landscape of life sciences partnerships by driving co-developed deals. Leverage your extensive network and expertise to source, pitch, and close high-value agreements that enhance patien...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$244K - $305K *

Drive financial strategy and analysis for global commercialization efforts, partnering with cross-functional teams to enhance decision-making and support successful product launches in the biopharmace...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$122K - $144K *

Drive impactful demand generation strategies that connect scientists with essential tools. Lead multi-channel campaigns, analyze performance, and collaborate across teams to enhance engagement and opt...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$74K - $122K *

Unlock potential by providing expert support and training in immunoassays, enhancing customer relationships and driving product usage through technical presentations and hands-on assistance in diverse...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $265K *

Lead strategic and operational initiatives for clinical study execution, ensuring quality and compliance across the portfolio. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize resources and drive p...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Join us to lead solution direction across multiple SAP engagements, ensuring customer value and platform adoption. Collaborate with teams to shape proposals, drive delivery, and influence product deve...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Optimize your career by leading insights-driven strategies that shape brand decisions. Collaborate across functions to deliver actionable market research and analysis, driving impactful outcomes in a...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Transform your career by leading the proposal lifecycle for federal and defense opportunities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and quality in submissions, enhancing win ra...

Springville, UTRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing complex clinical trials, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and high-quality outcomes while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to enhance...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$147K - $217K *

Lead transformative analytics initiatives in life sciences, driving innovation and client success. Mentor teams, enhance measurement standards, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver actionable...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $115K *

Drive client satisfaction and project success as you lead teams, manage client relationships, and oversee project execution. Collaborate across departments to ensure quality and profitability while me...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading compliance initiatives in chemicals and recycling. Collaborate across teams to ensure regulatory adherence, mitigate risks, and support sustainability goals while engaging...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative eDiscovery solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage client relationships, oversee project execution, and provide expert guidan...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$150K - $180K *

Elevate your career by providing technical leadership on high-impact cloud projects. Collaborate with a distributed team to enhance our cloud platform's efficiency and drive strategic initiatives acro...

Plano, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$139K - $176K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of a transformative AI platform. Drive product strategy, enhance user experience, and ensure alignment across teams to deliver impactful solutions that empo...

New Jersey, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $145K *

Shape government funding strategies by partnering with sector leaders to identify and secure opportunities that align with research priorities, enhancing organizational impact through effective captur...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $240K *

Champion the modernization of global supply chain analytics by transforming data into actionable insights, driving AI-assisted workflows, and collaborating across teams to enhance decision-making and...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information 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.