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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$88K - $105K *

Advance your career by managing strategic client projects, ensuring seamless delivery and collaboration. Shape client strategies and improve processes while contributing to global healthcare initiativ...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$174K - $252K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative solutions for image and video generation models, ensuring user safety and experience while collaborating across teams to implement effective research strategie...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Drive the development of advanced CMOS chip-based DNA synthesis workflows, enhancing chip handling and electrochemical protocols while collaborating closely across engineering and synthesis teams to o...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$117K - $184K *

Drive innovative bioanalytical workflows and lead LC/MS method development to enhance drug discovery and early clinical development, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize therapeutic c...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$81K - $126K *

Contribute to innovative preclinical research by designing and optimizing assays for tRNA efficacy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data and drive early-stage programs into clinical...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$93K - $153K *

Drive innovation in drug delivery technologies by evaluating novel modalities and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance therapeutic solutions across key areas, contributing to impactful...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$136K - $358K *

Transform the future of geriatrics research by leading innovative studies, mentoring emerging scientists, and securing funding to advance knowledge in aging and palliative care. Collaborate with a dyn...

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading antigen strategies and membrane protein work. Drive target discovery and validation efforts, focusing on GPCRs, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to adva...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading computational biology initiatives to advance gene editing therapies. Collaborate across teams to develop innovative pipelines, ensure safety, and maintain robust analysis p...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading computational biology initiatives to advance gene editing therapies. Collaborate across teams to develop innovative pipelines, ensure safety, and maintain robust computatio...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $100K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of healthcare marketing by leading software delivery. Your coordination and agile expertise will drive product milestones and resolutions, enhancing user engageme...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $100K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline software delivery, drive Agile processes, and manage dependencies, ensuring timely progress and effective communication across platforms...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $100K *

Transform software delivery by managing cross-functional teams, aligning sprints, and optimizing project timelines. Drive clarity in processes and foster collaboration to ensure successful product exe...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $100K *

Unlock potential by driving software delivery for cutting-edge healthcare marketing technology. Coordinate cross-functional teams, manage sprints and timelines, and ensure clarity in communication to...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $100K *

Transform the delivery of cutting-edge healthcare technology by managing software delivery processes and coordinating teams. Play a key role in streamlining workflows, ensuring timely releases, and en...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $100K *

Lead the charge in managing software delivery across teams to enhance our healthcare marketing platform. Ensure timely project milestones, adapt Agile processes, and drive effective communication whil...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of biologics manufacturing by leading process development and optimization for downstream purification. Drive technology transfer and scale-up initiatives while collaborating across t...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$146K - $183K *

Unlock potential by driving innovation in advanced materials through data analysis, machine learning, and collaboration with scientists and engineers to enhance aerospace safety and efficiency in a dy...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$146K - $183K *

Pioneer advanced research initiatives by developing innovative technologies and statistical models to enhance aerospace safety and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform data...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$101K - $152K *

Lead the development of analytical workflows for process monitoring and predictive modeling, enhancing decision support across manufacturing stages. Collaborate on AI-enabled tools and statistical ana...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $117K *

Lead the design and development of bioanalytical assays, ensuring feasibility and innovation. Collaborate with teams to enhance assay methodologies and provide technical guidance, while adhering to re...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$213K - $319K *

Oversee the strategic direction and performance of the Cell & Gene Therapy business, driving growth through innovation, customer partnerships, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance market posi...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Champion the hiring strategy for scientific and clinical roles, ensuring alignment with research goals and compliance standards. Collaborate with lab leadership to attract top talent for research labo...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic team to conduct advanced diagnostic testing, troubleshoot technical issues, and enhance lab procedures, ensuring high-quality results in a collaborative envi...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to managing environmental compliance for diverse projects across Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Lead complex permitting efforts, prepare critical documents, and support j...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

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.