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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$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

$98K - $160K *

Lead operational excellence in Toxicology, overseeing study monitoring and ensuring compliance with protocols. Drive departmental goals while mentoring junior specialists and managing outsourced studi...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $120K *

Grow your career with a dynamic sales role, driving supply chain transparency for leading brands. Own the full sales cycle, engage senior stakeholders, and develop solutions that enhance customer valu...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Champion clear, consistent communications across media and employee channels. Collaborate with the PR director and agencies to enhance brand visibility and manage internal messaging, ensuring timely e...

Georgia, USRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Help us drive innovation in medical devices by leading clinical evaluations, supporting sales initiatives, and building strong relationships with healthcare professionals. Your expertise will be cruci...

Arizona, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$134K - $184K *

Join us to shape the technical marketing strategy for our API, cloud, and security products. You'll drive go-to-market initiatives, enhance customer engagement, and collaborate with cross-functional t...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$75K - $110K *

Unlock advanced analytics capabilities by leading data science initiatives that drive informed decision-making and operational efficiency in a regulated environment. Collaborate with stakeholders to d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Drive your career with a leadership role overseeing brand advertising strategy, budget, and execution across multiple channels. Lead a team and collaborate with agencies to enhance brand visibility an...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Empower the future of entertainment metadata by leading go-to-market strategies, shaping narratives, and driving product launches. Collaborate across teams to establish market presence and deliver inn...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$121K - $160K *

Advance your career by managing financial operations for project teams, enhancing reporting accuracy, and leading financial analysis to support clinical trials and strategic decision-making...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of embedded systems engineering by leading a high-performance team, defining technical roadmaps, and integrating AI-driven workflows to deliver innovative, reliable solutions across d...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$138K - $165K *

Champion the development of LLM-powered applications and agentic systems. Drive complex use cases from ambiguous problems to production, ensuring high-quality and scalable AI solutions that address us...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive the development and integration of advanced nuclear energy systems by applying systems engineering methods to translate objectives into clear, verifiable requirements and solutions, while collab...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining AI solutions by rapidly delivering innovative, client-focused engagements. Collaborate with stakeholders to architect impactful agentic solutions that drive business valu...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $173K *

Transform the Digital Credit Application by architecting a scalable API ecosystem, decoupling legacy systems, and enabling AI-driven solutions. Lead high-impact migrations while ensuring operational e...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$94K - $155K *

Lead the charge in optimizing partner relationships and Pre-Buy execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance sales strategies, manage complex programs, and ensure compliance while driving reve...

San Diego, CARemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Help us drive the future of automation by owning AI agents that onboard applications and ensure self-healing workflows. You'll enhance existing systems, prioritize security, and collaborate across tea...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$97K - $193K *

Shape the future of clinical research by managing site activities, ensuring compliance, and driving study success through proactive monitoring and collaboration with global teams. Your expertise will...

Lansing, MIRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Engage as a senior client partner, driving revenue and retention for small business clients. Lead a high-volume portfolio with a focus on strategic growth, innovation, and AI adoption, while shaping m...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Lead the development of innovative packaging solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure sustainability and cost-effectiveness while meeting diverse product needs and strategic goal...

Jacksonville, FLRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading autonomous teams to deliver high-quality software solutions for U.S. defense operators, integrating AI fluency into development practices while fostering a cult...

Itasca, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $176K *

Unlock client success by managing post-sale relationships, driving product adoption, and identifying growth opportunities in the consumer lending sector. Collaborate with internal teams to enhance cli...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$240K - $269K *

Advance your career by leading national account strategies in oncology, fostering relationships with health plans and PBMs. Drive coverage, reimbursement, and adoption initiatives while collaborating...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Transform geospatial operations by leading technical teams, driving business growth, and ensuring quality deliverables. Oversee financial performance and client relationships while implementing best p...

Arizona, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.