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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$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's building and leading a dynamic engineering organization, driving the architecture and operational excellence of our core platform while mentoring a growing team in a fast-paced envi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $190K *

Transform the engineering landscape by leading a dynamic team to enhance our core platform. Drive technical excellence, foster collaboration, and ensure reliability as we scale to meet growing demand...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of our engineering organization by leading a talented team, driving architectural excellence, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of our core platform as we grow in the bioph...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career by driving innovative solid-form strategies for bRo5 molecules. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance pharmaceutical development through cutting-edge characterization...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $200K *

Manage complex engineering projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to budget and timelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project execution and foster a high-perfo...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$124K - $187K *

Elevate clinical AI research by designing evaluations for LLM-based systems, translating findings for regulatory compliance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance clinical trial pro...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $110K *

Innovate in advanced semiconductor device research by designing experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with engineers to enhance performance and safety in a dynamic laboratory environment...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$86K - $138K *

Drive innovative product development by executing laboratory experiments and designing scientific procedures. Collaborate on project planning and ensure adherence to Good Laboratory Practices for effi...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$117K - $156K *

Elevate drug product development by designing and executing formulation studies, optimizing processes, and collaborating across teams to support preclinical and clinical projects, ensuring robust manu...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$78K - $85K *

Join our team to perform analytical experiments, develop test methods, and ensure quality in drug products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams while applying innovative problem-solving skills in...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$107K - $157K *

Join a dynamic team to innovate foam control technologies that enhance efficiency and quality across vital industries. Lead product development from concept to commercialization, collaborating globall...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by leading high-throughput antibody discovery and development in a collaborative environment. Utilize advanced techniques in protein biochemistry, automation, and molecular biology, w...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$118K - $182K *

Champion the seamless execution of automated lab workflows, ensuring operational excellence and quality while leading a dedicated team in a fast-paced research environment. Your leadership will drive...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $111K *

Drive innovation by developing sustainable specialty ingredients and collaborating with global teams to enhance CASE applications, generating impactful data and solutions for market needs...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$75K - $111K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing sustainable specialty ingredients, generating application data, and collaborating with global R&D to create innovative solutions for the CASE market, enhanci...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$173K - $272K *

Drive excellence in biologics commercialization by leading process development, scale-up, and validation activities. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure timely and compliant product launches whil...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $228K *

Champion innovative energy solutions as a Senior Project Manager, overseeing complex isotope production programs. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance project outcomes while ensuring compliance a...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $190K *

Empower innovation by leading cell biology research for cutting-edge biopharma technologies. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and validate novel cell-based assays and platforms tha...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Transform tissue and towel manufacturing by leveraging your expertise in Yankee coating and creping technologies. Lead innovative projects from pilot to commercial scale, optimizing processes and coll...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$145K - $175K *

Lead external drug product development initiatives, ensuring alignment and execution across teams and CDMOs. Drive technical strategies, manage risks, and mentor junior scientists to advance biologic...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Elevate your career by leading predictive modeling initiatives that drive business solutions and enhance member experiences. Collaborate with teams to innovate and implement advanced data science tech...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$201K - $251K *

Champion the product strategy for Chemistry solutions by collaborating across teams, utilizing AI, and enhancing workflows to accelerate drug discovery in oncology, driving data-driven decisions for m...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$168K - $285K *

Transform global regulatory strategies for medical devices and combination products, ensuring compliance and successful outcomes throughout the product lifecycle while leading cross-functional teams a...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$168K - $285K *

Transform global regulatory strategies for medical devices and combination products, ensuring compliance and successful outcomes throughout the product lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional tea...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$119K - $173K *

Lead the charge in post-market surveillance and RWE research, assessing health impacts of smoke-free products. Collaborate across teams to deliver insights and meet regulatory obligations for a Fortun...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

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.