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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$280K - $437K *

Empower innovation by leading global R&D efforts in chromatography and analytical technologies. Drive product development, strategic partnerships, and market growth while ensuring scientific excellenc...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$131K - $172K *

Lead the medical laboratory team by providing diagnostic services, ensuring quality standards, and managing operations. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance patient care through effect...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Contribute to innovative production chemistry solutions that maximize oil and gas production. Lead complex research, drive development projects, and collaborate with teams to enhance operational effic...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Join our team as you lead innovative laboratory testing and method development in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with experts to deliver analytical solutions while ensuring safety and quality in a...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Advance your career by leading innovative research and development initiatives in production maximization to create impactful solutions for customers, while fostering a collaborative team environment...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$103K - $128K *

Pioneer innovative beverage solutions by leading product development initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize formulations, ensuring nutritional and sensory excellence while driving con...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$103K - $192K *

Unlock potential by delivering expert guidance in advanced microscopy techniques, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance drug discovery efforts. Drive innovation through hands-on training, robust...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$86K - $117K *

Elevate pharmaceutical innovation by leading hands-on research in 3D printing and formulation development. Collaborate across teams to enhance global access to quality medicines through cutting-edge c...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Innovate and execute mammalian cell culture processes, translating data into scalable solutions for therapeutic proteins. Collaborate across teams to enhance product quality and drive continuous impro...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$105K - $125K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of marine geoscience. Lead diverse projects, manage field teams, and drive data collection and analysis efforts to support coastal restoration and offshore infras...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Elevate drug discovery efforts by managing external research teams and driving molecular discovery projects. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure timely execution and foster a culture of scientifi...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$79K - $83K *

Transform analytical development by providing essential testing and support for drug development. Leverage expertise in HPLC, GC, and dissolution methods to enhance quality and efficiency while collab...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Drive scientific innovation by designing and advancing experiments that shape project goals and outcomes. Lead teams, contribute to research, and introduce cutting-edge processes that enhance data rel...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $120K *

Analyze and integrate large-scale single-cell data to engineer cell states, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Lead computational efforts, design analyses, and mentor junior researchers in a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $245K *

Lead the charge in designing innovative bispecific antibodies, integrating AI/ML and structural biology to advance therapeutic solutions. Mentor a team while driving high-throughput engineering and op...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI innovation by leading the design and deployment of scalable systems that transform enterprise capabilities. Drive modernization efforts and enhance software development practice...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$120K - $145K *

Lead analytical initiatives within a high-throughput testing team, driving biologics process development for late-stage clinical programs. Collaborate cross-functionally, mentor junior scientists, and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the design and implementation of large-scale AI systems that drive enterprise innovation. Collaborate with stakeholders to establish technical standards and best practices, enhancing productivity...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in designing and deploying large-scale AI systems that transform enterprise operations, ensuring robust architecture and driving modernization through innovative solutions and best pra...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer the development of scalable AI systems, driving enterprise innovation and modernizing legacy infrastructures with cutting-edge technology and robust architectures...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$109K - $210K *

Lead technical innovation in water filtration, driving product development from concept to commercialization while ensuring consumer satisfaction and compliance across diverse teams and manufacturing...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$72K - $96K *

Elevate research capabilities by developing next-gen sequencing technologies and diagnostic assays. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product development from concept to commercializati...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Transform laboratory practices by leveraging your expertise in cytogenetics. Lead complex analyses, train staff, and enhance procedures while ensuring accurate results in a collaborative environment f...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$164K - $205K *

Unlock potential by designing and enhancing cloud infrastructure for scientific computing, ensuring reliability and performance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solu...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to drive business growth in materials and corrosion engineering. Leverage your expertise to analyze safety and performance issues while mentoring a motivated group. Collaborate in...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.