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.
Staff Chemist - Analytical Chemistry/Materials Science
$84K - $90K *
Unlock innovative solutions as you lead analytical research in a collaborative lab environment, utilizing advanced techniques in spectroscopy and chromatography to meet client needs and ensure complia...
2 weeks ago
Principal Mechanical R&D Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Empower innovation by leading upstream R&D efforts to transform clinical needs into prototypes and technical evidence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive projects from concept to clear i...
2 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Unlock potential by leading the Cultural Resources practice, driving strategic growth, and ensuring technical excellence in archaeology while fostering client relationships and mentoring staff across...
Yesterday
Senior Principal Scientist/Principal Scientist, Immune Engagers
$132K - $245K *
Lead the charge in advancing innovative immune therapies by integrating cancer biology expertise and cross-functional leadership to drive drug discovery from target validation to clinical development...
1 week ago
$81K - $116K *
Optimize bioanalytical methods and lead complex studies to deliver high-quality scientific solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to tackle technical challenges and communicate findings effectively...
3 weeks ago
Scientist, Advanced Clinical Innovation Partnerships (ACIP), IGTS, West
$113K - $181K *
Lead cutting-edge clinical data and AI initiatives with top hospitals to drive innovation in image-guided therapy. Partner with key stakeholders to translate clinical needs into impactful, scalable so...
Reposted today
Senior Scientist, Molecular Biology and Antibody Discovery
$105K - $126K *
Transform the future of diagnostics by leading molecular biology workflows, driving antibody discovery, and optimizing biological reagent development in a dynamic, collaborative environment...
3 weeks ago
$116K - $139K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of project delivery and client satisfaction. Lead technical teams in managing complex biologics and advanced therapy projects while fostering strong client rela...
1 week ago
Senior Clinical Scientist, Clinical Development
$141K - $188K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of clinical development by leveraging your expertise in ophthalmology and beyond. Collaborate across functions to drive innovative strategies and enhance patient...
6 days ago
Senior Clinical Scientist, Clinical Development
$141K - $188K *
Advance your career by driving clinical strategies in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence clinical development across therapeutic areas, ensuring impactful pati...
1 week ago
Lead Scientist: Material Development
$91K - $152K *
Empower your career by conducting innovative research on advanced chemical materials and processes for energy storage solutions, focusing on high-performance materials and electrochemical systems to d...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $105K *
Unlock your potential by overseeing lab operations, managing inventory, and ensuring safety protocols. Collaborate with research teams to enhance lab performance while leading a dedicated technician i...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Scientist I, Analytical Sciences
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of analytical development by leading innovative methods for synthetic molecules. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance drug characterization and regulatory submissions, e...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining infrastructure reliability and deployment in a high-growth tech environment. As a Principal DevOps Engineer, you'll ensure our platform meets the demands of pharma client...
1 week ago
$77K - $103K *
Join us in advancing innovation in parenteral drug delivery, focusing on LNPs and genetic drug formulations. Collaborate on projects, establish new capabilities, and contribute to groundbreaking resea...
Yesterday
$150K - $180K *
Elevate our platform's infrastructure by designing, deploying, and maintaining robust cloud solutions. Ensure reliability and security while optimizing performance and costs, enabling our clients to t...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of cloud infrastructure by designing and maintaining robust, scalable systems. Lead DevOps practices to ensure high availability and security for critical applications in a fast-growi...
1 week ago
Principal/ Sr. Scientist - Cardiovascular & Heart Failure Biology
$72K - $189K *
Shape the future of cardiometabolic research by developing and optimizing cell-based assays. Collaborate with scientists to generate high-quality data and advance innovative methodologies in a dynamic...
Today
$88K - $105K *
Drive impactful clinical trial success by leading central laboratory activities. This remote role requires strong operational oversight, cross-functional leadership, and client engagement to ensure pr...
Yesterday
Principal Clinical Scientist, Medical Devices & AI
$150K - $180K *
Advance your career by transforming innovative ideas into actionable studies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and execute clinical research that drives product development in health...
Yesterday
Staff Scientist COE, Proteomics
$150K - $190K *
Transform complex analytical workflows into actionable insights, leading customer-facing demonstrations and scientific collaborations. Drive reproducible methods and provide strategic scientific leade...
1 week ago
Scientist III, Data Scientist, Bioprocess Digital Twin
$89K - $149K *
Unlock potential by applying advanced analytics and machine learning to solve complex bioprocess challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop data-driven solutions that enhance opera...
Reposted 1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate AI capabilities in advanced manufacturing by architecting and building a robust AI technology foundation. Collaborate across departments to enhance decision-making and automate workflows, driv...
3 weeks ago
$77K - $103K *
Empower drug discovery by designing and synthesizing novel compounds across diverse therapeutic areas. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support preclinical programs, ensuring high-quality ou...
6 days ago
Principal Scientist I - Quantitative, Translation & ADME Sciences
$130K - $155K *
Elevate scientific innovation by leading a team in drug metabolism and ADME strategies. Drive cutting-edge research, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate across disciplines to enhance translation...
1 week 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.