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 *

Unlock innovation in pharmacology as a Senior Principal Scientist, driving 3Rs methodologies in discovery and preclinical development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance translational...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Champion innovative 3Rs methodologies in pharmacology to enhance drug discovery and preclinical development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate NAMs, ensuring regulatory alignment an...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$204K - $310K *

Transform enterprise systems by architecting robust infrastructures that drive scalable, secure AI-driven scientific solutions for global organizations. Lead with high autonomy in a dynamic environmen...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing analytical methods to enhance manufacturing processes for clinical and commercial products, ensuring quality and efficacy while collaborating with cross-fun...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$217K - $403K *

Unlock potential by leading advanced Causal AI and experimentation initiatives. Drive impactful statistical modeling and optimization solutions, mentoring teams and collaborating across functions to e...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$268K - $384K *

Transform therapeutic intervention assessments by developing systems that integrate human data and mechanistic models, evaluating clinical programs for efficacy and alignment with biological evidence...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$134K - $205K *

Join a team that's redefining the future of HTS magnet technology through innovative R&D. Lead multidisciplinary projects, execute complex tests, and collaborate with engineers to drive advancements i...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$81K - $116K *

Shape the future of analytical chemistry by developing robust methods and solutions for complex mixtures. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver high-quality scientific insights that drive research...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $225K *

Transform optical alignment processes by developing automated solutions that enhance production efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and optimize systems, ensuring robust, r...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading hydrogeological initiatives in mining, focusing on sustainable water management, groundwater assessment, and environmental stewardship. Collaborate with teams to ensure com...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Transform the future of pharmaceuticals by applying your expertise in advanced solid-state characterization and innovative crystallization techniques for bRo5 molecules, collaborating with multidiscip...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$157K - $196K *

Champion innovative research by leading projects in molecular biology to develop cutting-edge diagnostic tests for early cancer detection. Collaborate cross-functionally and mentor junior scientists t...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$166K - $202K *

Partner with us to advance translational research by architecting and deploying AI-driven tools and platforms that enhance biomarker analysis, ensuring reproducibility and efficiency in scientific wor...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $205K *

Drive innovation in laser spike annealing systems by transforming complex challenges into effective solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance, reliability, and manufacturability from...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $187K *

Drive innovation in plasma-based systems through research, design, and experimental validation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance technologies while managing multiple projects in a dy...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Develop and execute drug product formulations and manufacturing processes within a collaborative Technical Team, ensuring compliance with GMP/GLP standards while addressing project deliverables and tr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$159K - $200K *

Lead the development of PMO and modified ASO oligonucleotides, ensuring efficient manufacturing and regulatory compliance. Collaborate with internal teams and CDMOs to drive strategies that optimize p...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $173K *

Lead the charge in implementing large-scale production processes and equipment, applying best project management practices. Oversee system start-up, ensuring teams are well-trained in troubleshooting...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $128K *

Shape the future of cell line development by leading iPSC gene editing strategies, ensuring reproducibility and scalability in differentiation workflows, and providing expert guidance to cross-functio...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $170K *

Shape the future of translational biology by leading preclinical studies to enhance our innovative therapies aimed at retinal health. Collaborate with diverse teams to deepen understanding and explore...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$116K - $182K *

Deliver expert analytical support for process chemistry, optimizing reactions and developing methods for synthetic molecules. Lead projects, troubleshoot issues, and drive innovation in drug substance...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$129K - $211K *

Unlock your potential as a Biophysical/Analytical Scientist, driving innovative biotherapeutic development through expert characterization and collaboration across diverse modalities in a dynamic rese...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Optimize environmental assessments and remediation strategies to ensure compliance with regulations. Collaborate with a diverse team to deliver high-quality projects while mentoring junior staff and e...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$73K - $121K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing equine research by leading innovative projects, managing lab operations, and collaborating with experts to enhance the Aged Horse Research Center's impact and...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$170K - $230K *

Shape innovative strategies in inflammation research by integrating human biology, computation, and experimental testing. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance therapeutic discovery through advanced...

3 days 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.