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

$100K - $120K *

Take ownership of regulatory support for pharmaceutical programs, managing IND and NDA submissions, health authority interactions, and lifecycle maintenance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading product marketing initiatives that empower healthcare teams. Drive sales enablement, module marketing, and customer expansion, while shaping messaging and content that reso...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $194K *

Empower member success by managing relationships, delivering tailored solutions, and driving growth through strategic engagement and innovative service delivery in a dynamic IT environment...

New Jersey, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$140K - $180K *

Transform identity governance at scale by leading the SailPoint ISC platform. Drive strategy, architecture, and compliance across global operations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...

Brooklyn, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$72K - $100K *

Join our dynamic team as a Sr. Credit Analyst, owning the underwriting cycle from application review to decision-making. Leverage your analytical skills to enhance credit processes and contribute to a...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$105K - $115K *

Engage with us to lead multiple client implementations, ensuring seamless transitions and high satisfaction. Collaborate cross-functionally, manage project timelines, and mentor team members while dri...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $163K *

Accelerate progress at expanding our portfolio by driving revenue and managing private label accounts while collaborating with cross-functional teams to create innovative, customer-centric solutions t...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$135K - $160K *

Drive the strategic vision for Technical Support, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency while championing AI transformation and innovation to elevate customer experience and achieve bu...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engage with top-tier partners to define and execute innovative co-marketing strategies that amplify AI-driven growth. Oversee the entire partner marketing roadmap, ensuring measurable impact on pipeli...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$134K - $257K *

Join a dynamic team as an Engineering Manager, leading thermal-mechanical design initiatives. Drive innovation in fuel product development while fostering a collaborative culture and ensuring alignmen...

Wilmington, NCRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Lead the Remote Sensing Department, delivering strategic and operational excellence by managing resources, optimizing processes, and ensuring high-quality outcomes in collaboration with various techni...

Austin, TXRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$127K - $224K *

Drive impactful product modeling and marketing measurement as a Staff Data Scientist. Own the lifecycle of ML models, collaborate with PMs, and communicate insights effectively to enhance user experie...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$168K - $327K *

Shape the future of quantum computing by leading product strategies and initiatives at the intersection of AI and quantum research. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive the development of...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $102K *

Shape the future of HR compliance by leading a dynamic team to develop policies, ensure regulatory adherence, and mitigate risks across a multi-state workforce while leveraging AI innovations for oper...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$156K - $290K *

Transform strategic direction by partnering with leadership to drive growth, evaluate opportunities, and translate insights into actionable initiatives that enhance customer value and ensure sustainab...

Georgia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of enterprise solutions by leveraging your technical expertise to deliver high-quality Open Text implementations for enterprise clients, ensuring tailored solutio...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Drive clinical excellence by providing medical expertise across therapeutic areas, ensuring safety and integrity in clinical trials. Collaborate with project teams and senior management to enhance cli...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$185K - $205K *

Shape the future of customer success by leading complex SaaS solutions, driving strategic partnerships, and mentoring teams to enhance value delivery and accelerate growth across enterprise accounts...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $176K *

Lead complex water resources projects, integrating technical and commercial strategies while guiding multidisciplinary teams through planning, execution, and client engagement to ensure successful del...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$157K - $283K *

Explore opportunities by leading large-scale, high-complexity projects. Collaborate across multifunctional teams, manage customer relationships, and ensure project success through efficient schedules...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead the execution of hypersonic flight test missions, overseeing multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring mission success through strategic planning and collaboration in a dynamic defense environment...

Huntsville, ALRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional client service and operational excellence. As a Program Manager, you'll oversee program execution, account management, and financial oversight wh...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $185K *

Elevate your career by leading the implementation of innovative solutions for major clients. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver secure digital workspaces, leveraging your technical expertise a...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$76K - $199K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of vaccine promotion, engaging customers through innovative strategies and building strong relationships to drive sales and enhance healthcare access in your terri...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Drive impactful healthcare decisions by leveraging real-world data expertise. Collaborate with clients to evaluate and analyze RWD for regulatory assessments, ensuring high-quality evidence generation...

Arlington, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.