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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$121K - $218K *

Transform complex challenges into innovative solutions by developing robust security products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance threat detection and protect customers from online ris...

Cambridge, MARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Champion innovative solutions by providing technical support and product development expertise to customers in the Industrial market. Collaborate across teams to enhance product performance and drive...

Danboro, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Empower clinical development by collaborating with Medical Directors to ensure scientific integrity and data quality in clinical trials. Engage with experts, analyze data, and manage project deliverab...

North Carolina, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to manage public sector contracts, ensuring compliance and supporting sales growth through effective reporting and collaboration with various departments...

New Mexico, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $100K *

Unlock potential by delivering innovative robotic solutions, ensuring seamless integration and operational success for customers. Collaborate, troubleshoot, and enhance system performance while provid...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$181K - $241K *

Champion innovative engineering solutions by leading teams in Marketing and Consumer Privacy. Drive collaboration, establish clear priorities, and ensure privacy-aware practices while delivering scala...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading structural and finite element analyses of turbomachinery components. Collaborate with engineers to develop methodologies, support design evaluations, and enhance analyti...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $100K *

Partner with us to lead and mentor a team in delivering utility software implementations, ensuring projects meet client needs and are completed on time and within budget while fostering a culture of c...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $120K *

Join a dedicated team to execute precision packaging processes for cutting-edge quantum hardware. You'll handle delicate components, operate complex equipment, and ensure quality through meticulous in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving impactful accounting and finance projects for diverse clients. Leverage your expertise to tackle complex challenges and deliver effective solutions in dynamic environments a...

Georgia, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$244K - $409K *

Drive the development of a global SME organization, leading regional teams to enhance technical selling and product direction. Transform ambiguity into structure while mentoring leaders and collaborat...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $210K *

Drive innovation as you lead a data science team focused on generative AI and machine learning. Shape scalable solutions that address business challenges, leveraging advanced analytics to deliver meas...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Empower your career by owning the delivery of AI-native solutions, collaborating with clients to design and implement frameworks that address real business challenges while fostering innovation and te...

New York, NYRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$104K - $259K *

Engage in cutting-edge adversary research to lead a team in identifying and analyzing sophisticated cyber threats. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance security outcomes, and communicate findings to d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$159K - $196K *

Oversee comprehensive partner audit efforts, ensuring compliance with standards, addressing concerns, and collaborating on solutions. Provide guidance, implement corrective actions, and keep leadershi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Lead strategic M&A initiatives by managing transactions, conducting financial analyses, and engaging with stakeholders globally to drive growth in a dynamic technology environment...

New York, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$116K - $170K *

Join a dynamic team to drive the planning and execution of PLC updates, ensuring seamless operations across automated warehouse sites while coordinating with cross-functional partners and enhancing de...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Develop and nurture partnerships with school districts to drive product adoption, enhance customer success, and ensure long-term retention through strategic implementation and proactive engagement...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$120K - $145K *

Empower a dynamic team to lead transformative projects for Fortune Global 500 clients, leveraging cutting-edge technologies in E-Commerce, Healthcare, and Life Sciences. Drive success through strategi...

Georgia, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$92K - $130K *

Drive impactful case planning workflows for clinical therapies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance procedural outcomes and streamline communication with stakeholders, ensuring timely...

Irvine, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Transform complex product concepts into intuitive user experiences across various platforms. Collaborate in a high-ownership role, focusing on enterprise design that meets diverse user needs while ens...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Shape the future of healthcare revenue management by leading IDR processes, ensuring compliance, and driving data-informed improvements while mentoring a team of analysts to optimize workflows and enh...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Transform the employee experience by leading impactful HR initiatives, managing events, and enhancing organizational culture. Collaborate across teams to drive engagement, support leadership developme...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$94K - $123K *

Lead the charge in advancing semiconductor test solutions, focusing on Silicon Photonics. Collaborate globally to translate customer needs into innovative products, ensuring technical excellence throu...

Washington, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Unlock your potential as a Technical Project Manager, driving software delivery timelines and ensuring seamless project execution with engineering and product teams. Foster strong stakeholder relation...

Toronto, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.