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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$69K - $195K *

Transform your career by leading bioanalytical studies and vendor partnerships, ensuring project success through scientific oversight and innovative AI tools. Drive efficiency and quality in drug deve...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Drive advancements in biologics manufacturing by providing scientific leadership and overseeing downstream process development, collaborating across teams to ensure successful technical execution and...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$94K - $144K *

Drive innovative LNP delivery research by executing in vitro and ex vivo studies, developing assays, and collaborating across teams to advance targeted therapies in immunology and neuroscience...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $164K *

Elevate scientific innovation by leading modeling and simulation efforts. Collaborate with R&D teams to translate complex challenges into actionable modeling solutions, ensuring effective deployment a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$112K - $164K *

Unlock innovation by leading modeling and simulation efforts to enhance product design and performance. Collaborate with R&D teams to translate complex challenges into actionable modeling solutions, e...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$288K - $420K *

Reimagine the future of materials science by leading a team in developing agentic AI systems. Own the scientific rigor and technical direction to drive innovations from research to production, ultimat...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$288K - $420K *

Lead the charge in developing agentic AI systems for materials science, setting technical direction, mentoring a team, and integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications. Drive innovati...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $296K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative research initiatives, driving product opportunities, and enhancing machine learning systems. Collaborate across disciplines to shape strategies and mentor talent...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $296K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative research initiatives that drive product opportunities and enhance search capabilities through advanced methodologies and collaboration across multidisciplinary t...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$123K - $140K *

Drive product innovation and formulation excellence in medical foods and dietary supplements, optimizing processes and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver scientifically robust and commerciall...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in developing automated workflows for biophysical characterization, enhancing efficiency and reproducibility in protein analysis. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive data...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Tackle the future of biologics by leading automation in biophysical characterization. Drive innovation through integrated workflows, enhancing speed and efficiency in therapeutic protein development w...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $126K *

Drive innovative assay development and target engagement studies in a collaborative lab environment, contributing to scientific discussions and optimizing discovery processes for small molecules and r...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $215K *

Unlock potential by leading protein sciences for bispecific antibody programs. Manage a team, oversee developability screening, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive therapeutic advancements and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive automated chemistry operations and parallel compound library synthesis, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance drug discovery through innovative workflows and high-throughput expe...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in upstream operations, ensuring efficient production and purification of clinical vectors while adhering to GMP and regulatory standards. Collaborate across disciplines to drive proje...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $190K *

Drive innovative drug design as an Experienced Computational Chemist, leveraging molecular modeling and data-driven insights to influence discovery programs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams a...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Pioneer innovative ink formulations and coating processes, driving advancements in material performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate lab results into practical solutions, enha...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$163K - $214K *

Advance your career by leading innovative amyloid research, developing assays, and characterizing proteins to drive breakthroughs in neurodegenerative therapies. Collaborate with a dynamic team to sha...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of oncology by leading biologics process development and manufacturing. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and quality in clinical-stage products, while mentoring scientist...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$128K - $193K *

Lead the charge in advancing DNA sequencing technology through innovative biochemical experimentation and collaboration. Drive impactful research by designing and executing experiments that tackle com...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$128K - $193K *

Join a team that's pioneering protein purification strategies for nucleic acid-modifying enzymes. Leverage your expertise to develop innovative solutions and collaborate across disciplines, driving im...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $120K *

Unlock innovation as a Senior Scientist in Polymer Chemistry, driving research and development of advanced materials for semiconductor applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translat...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$145K - $170K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing analytical development in pharmaceuticals. Contribute to method design, validation, and stability studies while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$108K - $201K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative downstream purification processes for AAV gene therapy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance early-stage drug discovery and ensure timely project...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 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.