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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$125K - $150K *

Drive transformative Salesforce solutions in higher education as a trusted advisor. Lead architecture design, align technology with institutional goals, and ensure successful delivery of Education Clo...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$121K - $155K *

Invent compelling narratives and lead creative development across multiple brands. Collaborate with teams to ensure strategic alignment, mentor junior staff, and engage clients effectively to elevate...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$215K - $315K *

Lead the charge in building secure, compliant infrastructure for our DaaS platform. Drive engineering excellence while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet the needs of regulated customer...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in transforming complex revenue-cycle challenges into robust, production-ready AI models, ensuring statistical integrity and operational reliability while managing end-to-end data pipe...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $250K *

Pioneer innovative solutions in enterprise healthcare by owning product development, enhancing EMR integrations, and streamlining implementations to ensure rapid adoption and customer satisfaction acr...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$133K - $223K *

Lead the design and operationalization of ML/AI solutions, ensuring production readiness and supportability. Collaborate with IT teams to solve business challenges and drive innovation through scalabl...

Reading, MARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$69K - $101K *

Champion the reliability of automated systems by providing expert technical support, troubleshooting complex issues, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure operational excellence and seamless...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$242K - $285K *

Transform the customer success landscape by leading technical teams, driving integration health, and enhancing revenue through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions in the programmatic ecosy...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI solutions by architecting innovative end-to-end systems, mentoring teams, and driving best practices in a collaborative environment focused on enterprise-level delivery and gove...

Lombard, ILRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing client financial performance through accurate forecasting, variance analysis, and innovative automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive budg...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $135K *

Lead the charge in developing high-quality software solutions, mentoring engineers, and driving process improvements. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance systems and deliver impactful results in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Lead the charge in strategic growth and operational excellence within the environmental services market, driving talent development, optimizing project delivery, and enhancing client relationships acr...

Baton Rouge, LARemote

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $115K *

Transform stakeholder insights into actionable solutions by gathering and analyzing business requirements. Collaborate with teams to create process models and ensure compliance, delivering high-qualit...

Washington, DCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $160K *

Elevate financial planning and analysis as you lead consolidated forecasts, enhance reporting quality, and partner with executives to drive strategic decisions. Utilize AI and automation to optimize p...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$199K - $270K *

Shape the future of software development by enhancing tooling, CI/CD, and operational workflows, ensuring teams can seamlessly transition code changes into production with improved speed, quality, and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$188K - $244K *

Shape your career as a Principal Consultant, leading AI infrastructure transformations. Drive strategic initiatives, mentor teams, and deliver executive insights to optimize data center design and enh...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$177K - $229K *

Drive impactful AI transformations by leading strategic consulting initiatives. Collaborate with executives to optimize cloud architecture and deliver value-driven solutions, while mentoring teams and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$197K - $255K *

Lead the charge in AI transformation by optimizing data center design and accelerating value realization. Serve as a subject-matter expert, guiding strategic implementations and mentoring teams to dri...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$216K - $280K *

Transform AI infrastructure by leading strategic consulting initiatives, guiding executives through architecture and value realization, and mentoring teams to optimize cloud integration and data archi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $200K *

Lead the charge in transforming business challenges into innovative solutions by leveraging your expertise in automation and integration. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational efficiency and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Elevate your career as a Group Director, leading B2B client success and team performance. Drive client retention and growth, enhance strategic initiatives, and shape the division's vision in a dynamic...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive expertise in remote sensing and nuclear detection to analyze, evaluate, and communicate critical intelligence on nuclear proliferation. Collaborate with teams across sectors to enhance detection...

Washington, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$90K - $110K *

Advance your career by providing essential maintenance and support for cyclotrons and analytical equipment, ensuring optimal performance in a dynamic oncology environment. Collaborate on quality contr...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Engage with customers by providing expert support for digital PCR instruments. Drive installations, training, and troubleshooting while collaborating with sales teams to enhance customer satisfaction...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $140K *

Unlock potential by translating complex scientific data into clear, impactful communication. Collaborate across teams to shape strategy and elevate medical communications that enhance patient outcomes...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days 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.