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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$147K - $220K *

Drive the success of clinical study projects by managing timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Collaborate with teams and clients to ensure project objectives are met while fostering a culture of...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$176K - $253K *

Contribute to the development of comprehensive bioprocessing proposals, leading cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions. Drive proposal governance, standardization, and continuous impro...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to lead and manage complex projects, ensuring client satisfaction and timely delivery through effective coordination across multiple teams and departments. Drive project success from i...

San Marcos, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior Engineer in Field Services, providing expert technical support and solutions for semiconductor equipment across multiple locations. Engage with cross-functional teams...

Arizona, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$107K - $190K *

Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge software for advanced atomic force microscopes. Lead algorithm design and implementation, transforming complex data into actionable insights while collabora...

Santa Barbara, CARemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $170K *

Drive the creation of high-quality educational materials for the pharmaceutical industry, leveraging scientific expertise to support client objectives and foster business growth through strategic mark...

Colorado, USRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$175K - $200K *

Lead the charge in developing integrated media strategies and client partnerships across pharmaceutical and life sciences accounts, driving business growth and ensuring exceptional delivery and client...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$136K - $220K *

Unlock project management excellence in Global Regulatory Affairs, driving timelines and compliance for drug submissions. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure accurate documentation and effective...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $170K *

Drive business growth by engaging clients and leading environmental consulting projects. Leverage expertise in analytical chemistry and project management to deliver high-quality solutions while maint...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of financial modeling by building and testing deep learning methods. Collaborate with a skilled team to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions that enhance credit decisio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $155K *

Transform data into actionable insights by leading research initiatives, collaborating with business leaders, and developing predictive models to drive strategic decisions and enhance product offering...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career by leading consultancy projects, managing workstreams, and enhancing client relationships. Contribute to business growth through strategic development and deliver impactful client...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative remedial systems design solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, providing technical leadership and strategic direction for diverse environmental p...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of life sciences by leading a high-performing Product Management and Marketing team. Drive portfolio strategy, commercialization, and business growth while collaborating across functi...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Innovate with us as you drive research initiatives, develop ML models, and translate complex algorithms into practical solutions, collaborating across teams to enhance fraud detection and authenticati...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $196K *

Lead global evidence strategy and drive scientific engagement while collaborating cross-functionally to identify evidence gaps and shape priorities in clinical, R&D, and marketing teams. Make a signif...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $175K *

Optimize data analytics support for lab production operations by leading a dedicated team in a dynamic environment. Drive innovation, ensure compliance, and enhance operational effectiveness while mak...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $150K *

Join a team that's shaping high-impact strategies and narratives for enterprise growth. Collaborate with senior leaders to craft compelling pitches and support organic initiatives, driving success acr...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $120K *

Optimize your career by leading software testing initiatives, developing test plans, and ensuring high-quality deliverables in a dynamic, remote environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform patient safety operations by leading a dedicated team, ensuring compliance, and enhancing pharmacovigilance processes. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver high-quality safety services...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $150K *

Lead complex project management initiatives across multiple channels in the pharmaceutical advertising sector. Oversee cross-functional teams, ensuring timely delivery within budget while mentoring ju...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$83K - $103K *

Drive success in regulatory affairs by preparing critical submissions for medical and diagnostic devices. Oversee compliance with U.S. and international regulations while collaborating with cross-func...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$204K - $276K *

Lead the charge in global observational research, driving clinical operational strategy and execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and efficiency in evidence generation t...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$162K - $238K *

Design and optimize R&D operations to enhance organizational effectiveness through data-driven insights, collaboration, and governance. Partner cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement and e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape client success by leading complex consulting projects, integrating diverse workstreams into actionable insights, and driving high-quality deliverables while fostering team growth and managing st...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week 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.