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.
$160K - $190K *
Join a team that's driving the execution of complex therapeutic programs from discovery to clinic. As a senior program manager, you'll partner with leaders to navigate high-risk projects, ensuring cla...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Transform complex therapeutic programs from discovery to clinic by driving integrated planning, resource management, and risk mitigation. Collaborate across teams to ensure successful execution and go...
1 week ago
Operations Manager, Chemistry*
$85K - $100K *
Elevate operational excellence in food chemistry testing by leading strategic initiatives, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement across laboratory functions to meet client and regula...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist Bioconjugation
$141K - $191K *
Lead the development of innovative bioconjugation processes, driving technology advancements and mentoring teams to ensure efficient manufacturing for drug substances throughout clinical development s...
2 weeks ago
$145K - $175K *
Lead the charge in architecting intelligent compliance systems by designing multi-agent frameworks and optimizing AI/ML pipelines. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance compliance accuracy and ens...
3 weeks ago
$144K - $189K *
Unlock potential by leading product innovation in clinical genomics. Shape tools for case management and data workflows, ensuring efficiency and quality while collaborating with lab directors and engi...
2 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Bioinformatics
$146K - $192K *
Advance innovative AI-driven drug discovery by architecting generative models and agentic systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design high-affinity binders for CAR-T therapies, ensuri...
1 week ago
Senior Research Scientist, Translational Neuroscience, AI & Biomarker Discovery
$78K - $156K *
Drive innovative research in neuromodulation, integrating neuroscience and AI to advance therapies. Collaborate across teams to design studies, analyze data, and uncover biomarkers for personalized tr...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Help us shape the future of CMP technology by leading hands-on research and development efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance processes, driving advancements in mate...
1 week ago
Lead/ Senior Machine Learning Scientist, Integrative Phenotyping
$183K - $224K *
Champion innovative ML solutions to extract insights from complex datasets, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance patient outcomes and therapeutic targets through advanced modeling tech...
3 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead and mentor an applied science team, translating client needs into rigorous research programs. Collaborate across teams to ensure successful project delivery and build trusted relationships with p...
2 weeks ago
Scientist II, CMC Analytical Development
$128K - $146K *
Champion analytical excellence by leading method development and impurity characterization for innovative drug candidates. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and regulatory comp...
4 weeks ago
Sr Principal Engineer, Process
$150K - $180K *
Drive impactful technical solutions by leading workstreams, optimizing processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance production quality and efficiency while navigating complex te...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Optimize laboratory operations by ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency. Lead daily management of equipment, inventory, and processes to empower scientists in their research and development effo...
1 week ago
Senior Applied Scientist, PV Ads Science
$167K - $226K *
Join us to lead the development of ML models that personalize advertising for over 100M customers, optimizing engagement and monetization through innovative deep learning and causal inference techniqu...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovative chemical engineering solutions by designing robust processing equipment, conducting engineering studies, and enhancing system configurations for optimal performance in diverse applica...
1 week ago
Scientist, Genome Sciences & Engineering
$125K - $140K *
Transform gene editing therapies by designing in vitro assays, optimizing genome editor activity, and collaborating across R&D teams to advance innovative solutions in translational and preclinical de...
Reposted today
Chemical Reactivity Landscape, Scientific Project Leader
$193K - $338K *
Lead the charge in advancing chemical reactivity prediction through innovative modeling and experimental integration. Oversee a high-impact initiative aimed at transforming reaction outcomes with a fo...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Principal AI Research Engineer
$139K - $231K *
Join a team that's redefining AI in drug discovery. You'll lead the design and delivery of innovative AI systems, transforming scientific workflows and enabling impactful research through cutting-edge...
Today
Senior Principal AI Research Engineer
$139K - $231K *
Shape the future of AI in drug discovery by leading innovative teams that integrate human expertise with AI. Drive the design and delivery of transformative systems that enhance scientific research an...
Today
Senior Principal AI Research Engineer
$139K - $231K *
Transform the future of AI in drug discovery by building innovative systems that integrate human expertise with AI, enabling rapid scientific advancements and redefining how research is conducted acro...
Today
Principal Scientist, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology
$122K - $176K *
Unlock potential by developing multiscale computational models to inform drug discovery and development, leveraging biological knowledge and data analysis to enhance model accuracy and performance in...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology
$122K - $176K *
Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic team focused on developing multiscale computational models to drive innovative drug discovery and development, leveraging deep biological insights and advanc...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of project management, leading complex, cross-functional initiatives that drive strategic outcomes. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure successful delivery wh...
3 days ago
Scientist I, High-Throughput Biology
$123K - $149K *
Unlock your potential by designing and optimizing live-cell assays for drug discovery. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver high-quality data using advanced microscopy techniques and computationa...
3 days 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.