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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Scientist, Computational Chemistry
$145K - $185K *
Transform drug discovery by leveraging your expertise in computational chemistry and AI/ML. Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to drive innovative solutions from hit identification to clinical...
1 week ago
Principal Scientist, CMC Quantitative Sciences
$142K - $256K *
Lead the charge in delivering advanced quantitative solutions across product lifecycles, collaborating with cross-functional teams to shape scientific strategy and drive impactful decision-making in a...
1 month ago
Scientist III, Molecular Biology
$91K - $122K *
Innovate with us to advance molecular biology technologies that enhance global health. As a key contributor, you'll lead projects in next-generation sequencing and diagnostics, collaborating across te...
1 month ago
Principal Research Scientist, Molecular Pharmacology
$130K - $155K *
Transform the future of drug discovery by leading a dynamic team in molecular pharmacology, driving innovation through robust assay development and cross-functional collaboration in various therapeuti...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist II, Translational Biomarker Strategy Lead
$114K - $211K *
Advance your career with a role driving preclinical and translational biomarker strategies, collaborating across teams to support drug development and innovative research, ensuring alignment with prog...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$136K - $228K *
Support the TRMC MACH Program by managing flight test needs, integrating complex research into test plans, and liaising with defense organizations. Drive stakeholder engagement and oversee project exe...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive bioconjugation process development, optimizing downstream processes for biotherapeutics. Collaborate with teams to enhance purification and characterization techniques while ensuring compliance...
2 days ago
Senior Scientist/Project Manager- Natural Resource Focus
$88K - $131K *
Champion environmental compliance and project management, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions while fostering client relationships and mentoring junior staff. Drive busines...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$147K - $229K *
Lead the charge in innovative diagnostic design and development for beamline systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance stockpile stewardship efforts and advance scientific knowled...
1 week ago
Principal Scientist, Biology (Immunology)
$179K - $198K *
Lead groundbreaking research in immunology, advancing targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases by integrating biology, pharmacology, and chemistry, while fostering innovation and team collaboration...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Scientist I / II, Medicinal Chemistry
$150K - $200K *
Shape the future of drug discovery through innovative medicinal chemistry and collaboration. Join a multidisciplinary team driving progress in developing clinical candidates and advancing therapeutic...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Scientist I / II, Medicinal Chemistry
$150K - $200K *
Join a team that drives drug discovery through innovative medicinal chemistry. Collaborate with cross-functional experts and utilize cutting-edge computational methods to develop impactful therapies f...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Scientist - Bioanalytical Outsourcing
$128K - $210K *
Drive bioanalytical excellence by overseeing CRO collaborations for PK, immunogenicity, and biomarker analysis, ensuring compliance with GLP/GCLP standards while managing assay development and reporti...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform application development by leading innovative projects in PWR technology. Collaborate across teams to optimize methods, support customers, and drive product improvements in a dynamic R&D env...
3 weeks ago
$152K - $179K *
Explore a pivotal role in advancing transfusion science through independent research, collaboration, and mentorship. Lead innovative projects, secure funding, and contribute to the scientific communit...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist / Research Scientist, Molecular Biology
$120K - $160K *
Join a team that's transforming molecular biology through innovative product development. Lead R&D projects, mentor junior scientists, and establish scalable workflows for gene synthesis and DNA libra...
Yesterday
$167K - $190K *
Lead impactful genomic studies in Oncology, interpreting NGS data to drive biological insights and propose novel experiments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative drug strateg...
Reposted 1 week ago
$167K - $190K *
Elevate the future of oncology by analyzing NGS data to drive key insights and innovative strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex biological questions while contributing...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior / Principal Associate Scientist, Advanced Cell Engineering
$84K - $112K *
Join a dynamic team to drive innovative RNA therapeutics development in oncology and autoimmune diseases. Collaborate on cutting-edge research, execute assays, and contribute to the advancement of mRN...
Reposted 1 week ago
Technical Program Manager, AISF
$128K - $170K *
Empower progress at the intersection of research and engineering by leading complex technical programs. Drive alignment and delivery across teams, navigate challenges, and support innovative solutions...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Research Scientist/Engineer (Fundamental Science)
$245K - $500K+*
Shape the future of AI by collaborating with top developers to explore RL dynamics, design innovative evaluation techniques, and uncover insights into AI cognition, all while driving empirical researc...
6 days ago
Principal Scientist, Vaccine Virology
$145K - $180K *
Champion innovative vaccine research by leading virology and immunology programs. Utilize your expertise to develop assays, analyze data, and mentor teams, driving impactful solutions for public healt...
1 week ago
Senior Project Manager, Promotional Medical Education
$90K - $100K *
Accelerate progress at a dynamic agency by leading complex client campaigns. Manage project scope, timelines, and budgets while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality result...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Search & Evaluation
$207K - $259K *
Transform external innovation strategies by leading evaluations and partnerships in Neuroscience and Immunology. Drive cross-functional collaboration and influence investment decisions while mentoring...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist I, Cancer Genomics, Clinical Biomarker Development
$149K - $186K *
Transform cancer research by applying advanced genomics analyses and integrating multi-omics data. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to derive insights from clinical biomarker data, influencing...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
What does a Principal Scientist do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.