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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$124K - $171K *

Champion advanced machine learning techniques to develop multimodal AI systems in biomedical applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance personalized oncology diagnostics and im...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of defense programs by managing technology initiatives, supporting federal acquisitions, and driving business development efforts. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate complex...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $350K *

Build advanced inference systems to enhance RL research, optimizing throughput and enabling scalable model updates. Collaborate with researchers to balance efficiency and quality in cutting-edge AI ar...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $100K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Strategist, where you'll lead data-driven strategies, mentor talent, and drive innovative solutions in healthcare advertising. Collaborate with creative teams to enhanc...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $215K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of a virtual engagement team to enhance outreach to healthcare professionals, ensuring effective collaboration with field sales and marketing for optimal im...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Advance progress at the intersection of clinical trials and supply chain management. Leverage your expertise to streamline processes, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure successful pro...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$215K - $235K *

Advance drug substance development and drive clinical readiness projects by leading process chemistry initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance for suc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$97K - $170K *

Manage supply chain readiness and risk for business units, ensuring alignment between growth plans and supplier capabilities. Collaborate cross-functionally to mitigate risks and drive material strate...

California, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$210K - $305K *

Champion the global CMC regulatory strategy for a pivotal HCM program, ensuring compliance from Phase 3 through launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build robust regulatory processes and...

San Francisco, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Drive enterprise strategy development and execution, aligning business priorities with growth initiatives. Collaborate with senior leadership to influence strategic decisions and oversee transformatio...

Massachusetts, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Oversee the design and development of clinical databases while ensuring project timelines and quality standards are met. Collaborate across teams to provide technical support and mentor team members...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $195K *

Empower product and engineering teams by delivering actionable insights that shape strategic decisions. As a Senior Decision Scientist, you'll leverage data to influence roadmaps and resource allocati...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $232K *

Unlock potential by leading legal reviews for promotional and medical materials. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and provide practical guidance in a fast-paced environment, supporting pr...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Advance clinical trial success by providing strategic expertise in operations and collaboration. Optimize processes, develop budgets, and drive initiatives to enhance efficiency while ensuring alignme...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$172K - $202K *

Innovate within identity and access management by providing expert insights and strategies to clients on best practices in identity governance, privileged access, and AI tools, enhancing cybersecurity...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $193K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in R&D and Regulatory processes. Leverage your Veeva RIM expertise, manage global compliance systems, and implement solutions that meet dynamic business needs whi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $225K *

Lead the charge in shaping strategic program management across a diverse client portfolio. Oversee a team of professionals to ensure excellence in execution, governance, and client engagement while dr...

Boston, MARemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$184K - $230K *

Lead the Complex Systems portfolio to enhance climate impact, ensuring cohesive strategy and program effectiveness across Land, Transportation, and Industry while aligning resources for sustainable so...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $100K *

Join a team that's driving impactful client strategies in digital marketing. As a Supervisor, you'll lead a dynamic team, manage client relationships, and oversee integrated campaigns across omnichann...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading sales strategies across the US. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive growth, develop client relationships, and deliver impactful presentations while navigating indus...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$146K - $182K *

Join a team that's advancing cancer detection through innovative machine learning models. Drive algorithm development and collaborate across disciplines to enhance tissue-free assays, ensuring high-qu...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Champion high-level software testing solutions, ensuring quality and compliance through meticulous test planning, execution, and documentation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improve...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $125K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of federal technology solutions. As a Technical Lead, you'll guide product development, oversee architecture, and mentor teams while ensuring compliance and secur...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $125K *

Engage as a Technical Lead, guiding product architecture and sprint execution while mentoring teams and ensuring compliance with VA standards. Drive technical strategy and oversee troubleshooting for...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$181K - $225K *

Lead the charge in operationalizing complex clinical studies globally, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance proposal development and manage global lab relationships, ensuring strategic...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 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.