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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$93K - $104K *

Lead the charge in managing R&D lab operations, bridging design and hardware execution. Oversee machining, precision assembly, and collaborate with engineering teams to enhance manufacturability and a...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing New Product Introductions and ensuring on-time manufacturing starts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to monitor key milestones and drive project success in a dynami...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$136K - $164K *

Innovate in biomarker assay development by leading strategies, optimizing methodologies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance translational research and clinical programs. Drive ad...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to conducting environmental assessments and analyses, ensuring compliance with regulations while developing innovative remediation strategies. Lead projects of moderate co...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$88K - $105K *

Unlock your potential as a Scientist III, conducting advanced diagnostics, mentoring junior staff, and driving improvements in laboratory methodologies to ensure data accuracy and compliance in a dyna...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading complex viral vector manufacturing programs. Drive process optimization and validation while collaborating across teams to ensure compliance and quality in gene therapy sol...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$174K - $252K *

Explore innovative solutions as a Research Scientist, driving cutting-edge projects in AI and machine learning. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop algorithms and publish findings, imp...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$179K - $212K *

Champion innovative biologics by leveraging deep CMC expertise in cell and gene therapy. Collaborate across teams to drive technical strategies, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance while mentor...

Waltham, MARemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead a team of engineers in maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory instruments, while fostering talent development and ensuring high service standards in a dynamic biopharmaceutical environment...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$163K - $221K *

Join us to leverage experimental and computational strategies in inflammation research, driving innovative therapies through deep expertise in wet-lab biology and AI/ML approaches, while fostering col...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $168K *

Contribute to innovative cell therapy product characterization by leading method development, analyzing complex datasets, and collaborating across teams to ensure quality and efficacy from preclinical...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$109K - $174K *

Drive operational method development to enhance analytical processes, ensuring robust, scalable workflows for high-throughput laboratory execution while collaborating across teams to optimize performa...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Engage in analytical method execution and support for drug testing, ensuring compliance with cGMP guidelines. Collaborate with clients and lead projects while developing methodologies and maintaining...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Innovate product development by translating consumer needs into technical solutions, leading complex projects from concept to commercialization, and enhancing capabilities in pet food and snacks throu...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$80K - $95K *

Join our team to ensure product quality through microbiological and analytical testing, compliance with GMP standards, and environmental monitoring, while contributing to the validation of life-saving...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$116K - $177K *

Elevate your career by leading a multidisciplinary team in developing innovative automated cell analysis technologies, collaborating closely with diverse stakeholders to drive impactful research initi...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$113K - $163K *

Drive the development of next-gen ultrafiltration and microfiltration technologies, collaborating across teams to deliver innovative solutions from concept to commercialization while ensuring quality...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $225K *

Advance quantum compilation by developing efficient methods and tools, collaborating with engineering teams, and leveraging cutting-edge research to optimize quantum algorithms and error correction te...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $170K *

Transform the future of immunotherapy as a Senior Scientist, driving innovative computational biology efforts to enhance therapeutic development and improve patient outcomes in autoimmune diseases and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $172K *

Transform capacity planning processes and cross-functional collaboration to align operational delivery with market demand, ensuring efficient growth and profitability in a fast-paced environment. Driv...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative QC projects, collaborating with teams, conducting advanced analytical testing, and ensuring compliance while training fellow scientists in a supportive, fast...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$107K - $153K *

Champion innovative skincare solutions by leading formulation projects, leveraging deep expertise in skin biology and active ingredients. Collaborate globally to drive technical strategy and mentor co...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$120K - $140K *

Lead impactful capital projects in a dynamic pharmaceutical environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of facility upgrades, utility systems, and manufacturing...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$204K - $346K *

Pioneer innovative chemistry strategies and lead a high-impact team to advance discovery and platform efforts across molecules, nanoparticles, and AI-driven experimentation...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Drive the planning and execution of complex therapeutic programs from discovery to clinic. Serve as a senior program management partner, ensuring successful execution and alignment across cross-functi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.