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.
Senior Formulation Scientist I
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential by supporting formulation development for successful product launches. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely project completion while adhering to regulatory st...
2 days ago
Senior Research Associate (Fermentation / Recovery)
$75K - $96K *
Drive innovative fermentation and recovery processes in a dynamic lab environment, supporting biofuels and bioproducts development from bench to pilot scale while collaborating with multidisciplinary...
1 week ago
$160K - $175K *
Shape the future of bakery innovation by leading the development of cutting-edge applications and solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product excellence from concept to commerc...
2 weeks ago
Principal Scientist - Clinical Research, Immunology Biomarker Lead
$190K - $300K *
Innovate biomarker strategies in immunology, leading cross-functional teams to drive clinical development decisions and enhance precision medicine approaches through data analysis and collaboration...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist - Clinical Research, Immunology Biomarker Lead
$190K - $300K *
Join a dynamic team as a strategic leader in immunology biomarker development, driving innovative clinical strategies and cross-functional collaboration to enhance drug development and patient outcome...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist - Clinical Research, Immunology Biomarker Lead
$190K - $300K *
Elevate clinical development by leading innovative biomarker strategies, driving cross-functional collaboration, and translating complex data into actionable insights to inform immunology research and...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist - Clinical Research, Immunology Biomarker Lead
$190K - $300K *
Elevate clinical development by leading innovative biomarker strategies, driving decision-making through scientific expertise and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment focused on...
3 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in analytical data quality, developing methods and standards for diverse chemistry. Drive automation and interpretation at scale, ensuring robust data for both models and customers whi...
3 weeks ago
$165K - $235K *
Lead the charge in executing enterprise-scale bioprocess projects, ensuring seamless integration of technologies and fostering team development to drive successful outcomes and customer satisfaction...
Yesterday
$165K - $235K *
Transform enterprise-scale projects by leading cross-functional teams to deliver integrated bioprocess solutions. Drive project execution, governance, and talent development while ensuring customer sa...
Yesterday
Senior Research Associate - Technology Development
$104K - $110K *
Join a team that's advancing the future of gene editing through innovative assay development and data-driven solutions. Collaborate with experts to optimize workflows and drive impactful research at t...
Reposted 2 days ago
Scientist II - Senior Scientist, Biochemistry Integration
$113K - $140K *
Elevate our biochemistry integration efforts by developing and optimizing novel assays. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance system performance and contribute to innovative workflows, driving tec...
4 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Statistical Genetics
$166K - $202K *
Join a team that's pioneering statistical genetics to drive innovative cardiovascular research. Leverage large-scale genetic data to identify drug targets and collaborate with global experts to enhanc...
Reposted 5 days ago
Principal Research Associate, Protein Engineering
$95K - $110K *
Advance your career by executing molecular biology experiments and optimizing workflows for protein engineering. Collaborate across teams to troubleshoot and innovate, shaping the future of genome edi...
Today
Senior Principal Pharmacovigilance Scientist
$137K - $215K *
Oversee large pharmacovigilance projects, ensuring regulatory compliance and patient safety. Lead teams, develop risk management strategies, and engage with stakeholders to enhance safety reporting an...
Today
Principal Software Development Engineer
$138K - $165K *
Drive innovation as a Principal DevOps Engineer, leading CI/CD initiatives and optimizing platform services in a hybrid cloud environment. Collaborate across teams to enhance developer experience and...
Today
Senior Scientist Directed Energy Protection
$135K - $166K *
Engage with a dynamic team to lead the development of innovative optical protection technologies. Drive projects from ideation to execution, ensuring alignment with strategic goals while fostering col...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the development and validation of biological assays, providing scientific expertise to enhance biotherapeutic products. Collaborate across functions to drive innovation and ensure compliance with...
3 weeks ago
Director of Research and Development - Portfolio Management
$180K - $220K *
Lead R&D portfolio management, ensuring project alignment, prioritization, and execution across Human Nutrition & Health. Drive innovation, governance, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance pr...
2 weeks ago
Senior Applied Scientist, GEOS Science Team
$167K - $226K *
Drive optimization models for site selection and network design, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable insights. Lead initiatives in AI tooling and mentor scientists, ensurin...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead and manage innovative R&D projects in cutting-edge electronics, mentoring a team of scientists while driving strategic advancements and collaborating across functions to translate research into p...
1 week ago
$183K - $215K *
Shape the future of North American inland transportation by leading product strategy and development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable insights and drive market success in...
1 week ago
Bio- Solutions Portfolio Manager
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of biological product development by optimizing processes, enhancing quality, and driving innovation. Collaborate across teams to deliver high-impact solutions and engage with custome...
1 month ago
$140K - $162K *
Join an interdisciplinary team to analyze and innovate polymer materials across diverse industries, driving technical solutions and business development while collaborating with experts in engineering...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Scientist (Sr. Director) , Drug Safety
$210K - $331K *
Lead the charge in safety and risk management processes, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement across departments. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop metrics and oversee pharmacovigilan...
6 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.