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.
Advisor - Biophysical/Analytical Scientist, Molecular Insights
$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
$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
$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...
Reposted today
Senior Principal Scientist Integrated Technology, Computation & Experimental Biology
$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
Senior Scientist- Aerosol Development
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of inhaled products by establishing a cutting-edge aerosol lab. Lead analytical method development, collaborate with GMP partners, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards...
Today
$204K - $250K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring drug safety and compliance. Lead pharmacovigilance efforts for cardiovascular assets, managing risk assessments and safety reporting while collaborating across...
2 weeks ago
Scientist II, Analytical Development
$99K - $138K *
Innovate by driving analytical development for AAV-based gene therapy programs. Lead technical initiatives, analyze data, and support regulatory submissions. Collaborate effectively across teams in a...
Reposted 1 week ago
$140K - $175K *
Empower scientific innovation by collaborating within product pods to develop and evaluate real-world evidence agents. Drive impactful research and ensure scientific rigor while partnering with indust...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize laboratory operations and environmental analysis through cutting-edge techniques, ensuring compliance and quality standards while contributing to vital security measures in national safety pr...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Scientist, Translational Preclinical Models, MPS Automated Cell Culture & Innovation
$93K - $183K *
Join us to advance innovative preclinical models for drug discovery. In this collaborative role, you'll integrate cutting-edge technologies and stem cell biology to create scalable, human-relevant mod...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Machine Learning Scientist
$139K - $231K *
Elevate healthcare innovation by developing advanced AI methods that transform drug discovery and development. Collaborate with top scientists to create impactful solutions that enhance decision-makin...
Today
Senior Principal Machine Learning Scientist
$139K - $231K *
Innovate advanced AI methods to transform biomedical research, enhancing drug discovery and development. Collaborate with experts to tackle complex healthcare challenges and create impactful solutions...
Today
Senior Principal Machine Learning Scientist
$139K - $231K *
Lead the development of advanced AI methods to transform biomedical research, enhancing drug discovery and decision-making processes. Collaborate with experts to create impactful solutions that improv...
Today
Senior Principal Machine Learning Scientist
$139K - $231K *
Transform advanced AI methodologies to revolutionize drug discovery and development. Collaborate with top-tier researchers to create impactful models that enhance decision-making and accelerate scient...
Today
Senior / Engineer II, AI Lab Research Engineer
$148K - $240K *
Shape the future of AI-driven scientific discovery by designing advanced models that tackle complex challenges and enhance multi-step reasoning across various domains...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Machine Learning Scientist
$139K - $231K *
Join a team that's pioneering AI methods to transform biomedical research and drug discovery. Collaborate with experts to develop innovative models that enhance decision-making and accelerate the deli...
Today
Senior Principal Machine Learning Scientist
$139K - $231K *
Join a team that's pioneering advanced AI methods to transform biomedical research. You'll develop innovative machine learning solutions that enhance drug discovery and improve patient outcomes, colla...
Today
Principal Clinical Scientist, Clinical Development - Hematology
$168K - $199K *
Lead the charge in advancing clinical development programs within Hematology, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate strategies into operational delivera...
Reposted 1 week ago
Scientist, Consumer Technical Insights
$88K - $105K *
Drive innovation by leading research projects in microbial risk management, utilizing bioinformatics and genomic technologies. Collaborate with academic partners to ensure timely delivery and complian...
Reposted 5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Inspire innovation by developing cutting-edge cosmetic products, enhancing current formulas, and supervising R&D chemists to ensure quality and efficiency in a collaborative lab environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Manager / Senior Technical Program Manager
$180K - $256K *
Unlock potential by leading complex technical programs that enhance engineering processes and drive cross-functional collaboration across scientific domains, ensuring alignment and operational excelle...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform process engineering by leading optimization and scale-up initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance metrics and mentor engineers, ensuring efficient and comp...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Engineering Science Specialist
$107K - $130K *
Lead cross-functional teams to enhance weapons performance analysis and database management, ensuring effective integration of technology into WMD/HDBT programs while supporting decision-making throug...
3 weeks ago
$68K - $114K *
Join our team to design and execute experiments for optimizing bioprocesses. Collaborate with scientists to ensure successful technology transfer and contribute to regulatory submissions while fosteri...
Yesterday
Scientist I, In Vitro Pharmacology
$100K - $126K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative cell-based assays to drive discovery programs. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance platform growth and contribute to in vivo pharmacology activities, ens...
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.