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 *

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

$110K - $130K *

Deliver impactful clinical study management by leading global trials, ensuring timely, budget-compliant execution while maintaining the highest quality standards and fostering collaboration with cross...

Blue Bell, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $160K *

Drive strategic product transformation by connecting customer needs with engineering insights. Leverage data to design impactful programs, enhance platform adoption, and facilitate cross-functional co...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead and architect innovative AI-driven financial solutions, collaborating with elite engineers to design, implement, and optimize cutting-edge tools for global clients in a dynamic, startup environme...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Innovate cutting-edge AI financial solutions by architecting and deploying advanced chat interfaces and reporting systems. Collaborate with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows for global c...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Elevate software solutions by architecting AI-driven financial tools, collaborating with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows, and ensuring high standards in quality and security within a d...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join our team to design and implement production-grade workflows that enhance software engineering processes while collaborating with customers. Own the entire project lifecycle from discovery through...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive your career with impactful Terafina implementation projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to customize solutions, manage integrations, and support clients through all project phases...

Georgia, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$84K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to provide technical support for Nanopore sequencing, guiding customers through experimental design, troubleshooting, and data analysis. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance c...

New York, NYRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Elevate project documentation and technical reporting for large-scale mining initiatives. Collaborate across departments to ensure operational readiness and compliance with industry standards while ma...

Boise, IDRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$152K - $191K *

Lead operational health initiatives by optimizing processes and driving efficiency within Engineering, Product, and Design teams. Collaborate across functions to enhance productivity and implement dat...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $143K *

Drive operational excellence as a Program Manager, enhancing EPD processes and collaboration. Leverage data insights to identify trends, improve efficiency, and support cross-functional teams in a dyn...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$164K - $226K *

Lead the charge in designing and evolving a robust entity data platform, ensuring accurate and timely data delivery while enhancing system reliability and reducing manual validation through innovative...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$180K - $225K *

Lead the charge in transforming AI strategies into impactful solutions for revenue teams, collaborating closely with GTM leaders to drive innovation and measurable outcomes while enhancing engineering...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$94K - $120K *

Lead the charge in delivering impactful IT projects by managing all phases from initiation to closeout. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure timely and successful project execution while aligning...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $250K *

Innovate AI solutions by collaborating with business teams to design, build, and launch impactful products. Own the entire product lifecycle, from discovery to production, ensuring measurable improvem...

Los Angeles, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$203K - $304K *

Champion innovative operational strategies in clinical research, driving excellence in bid defense meetings and proposal development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance study execution...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $248K *

Advance our product strategy by leading the integration of data center operations into Prism, enhancing diagnostics and decision-making for operators and executives alike. Collaborate with cross-funct...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $160K *

Drive new business development and revenue growth by leveraging professional networks and sales expertise to secure major client engagements and enhance executive relationships within Fortune 500 comp...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $110K *

Discover a dynamic role where you'll enhance customer search experiences and backend systems. Collaborate across teams to deliver intuitive, AI-powered solutions while ensuring performance and reliabi...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing intuitive AI experiences for diverse construction teams, blending interaction and visual design. You'll create mobile-first solutions for Superintendents and DCOs, ensuri...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $115K *

Drive regulatory intelligence initiatives to ensure compliance and support clinical research. Collaborate with experts to assess regulatory changes, track global guidelines, and enhance impact assessm...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.