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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$165K - $206K *

Help us drive innovation in drug discovery by leveraging advanced mass spectrometry to uncover biological insights and develop transformative therapeutic modalities. Collaborate across disciplines to...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $206K *

Contribute to innovative research by leveraging advanced mass spectrometry to uncover biological insights and drive drug discovery. Collaborate across disciplines to develop impactful therapeutic moda...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$101K - $126K *

Unlock potential by joining our team to automate and scale protein production workflows, leveraging your expertise in protein expression and purification to drive innovation in drug discovery and pati...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advancing research strategy and operations at a premier lab. Collaborate with top scientists to enhance research initiatives, oversee operations, and foster a culture of excellence...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$132K - $186K *

Join a dynamic team to lead AI innovations in structural heart disease, driving the development of advanced machine learning models and digital solutions that enhance patient care and outcomes in a re...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$107K - $130K *

Shape the future of innovative manufacturing processes for therapeutic micro-array patches, driving advancements in clinical development and high-throughput commercial scale production while mentoring...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Optimize product development by leading innovative solutions in lubrication, collaborating with global teams to enhance performance across diverse industries, and driving results through scientific me...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$148K - $168K *

Drive innovative pharmacology research to optimize pipeline assets through in vivo and in vitro studies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support drug development and IND-enabling studies, e...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$72K - $120K *

Champion innovative process development and optimization in R&D, leading projects that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency across manufacturing operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$130K - $209K *

Champion statistical excellence by leading innovative data analysis and monitoring initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product lifecycle activities and regulatory submissions, while...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$66K - $171K *

Join a pioneering team to develop and validate HPLC/UPLC methods in a GMP lab, ensuring safe equipment release for innovative drug manufacturing. Collaborate across functions to enhance cleaning valid...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$66K - $171K *

Advance your career by developing and validating HPLC/UPLC methods in a GMP lab. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely equipment release and enhance cleaning validation processes fo...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$141K - $196K *

Unlock potential by developing causal machine-learning models to optimize customer offers, analyzing complex data, and translating findings into actionable strategies for enhanced conversion rates acr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $175K *

Develop innovative computational methods to analyze epigenomic data, driving diagnostic advancements in biopharma R&D. Collaborate with a dynamic team to translate biological insights into impactful c...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$129K - $189K *

Drive innovation in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) architecture, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Collaborate globally to optimize solutions, enhance operational excellence, and me...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$109K - $210K *

Unlock the potential of innovative product systems as a Senior Scientist, leading development from concept to commercialization, engaging cross-functional teams to transform consumer insights into cut...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$162K - $195K *

Unlock potential by leading a global team of engineers to innovate and optimize manufacturing processes for oral and inhalation drug products, ensuring successful technology transfer and regulatory co...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$93K - $183K *

Join a dynamic team to advance drug-conjugate discovery for cancer treatment. Utilize your expertise in cell and molecular biology to drive impactful research and collaborate across multidisciplinary...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$184K - $256K *

Champion the future of drug discovery by leading innovative product strategies, overseeing a dynamic portfolio, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform scientific research capabilit...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$144K - $160K *

Lead the charge in establishing a centralized gene editing screening function, driving high-quality experimental data for protein design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams while mentoring a dedi...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $133K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee biosimilar product development, ensuring compliance and quality from inception to launch. Collaborate with global vendors and internal teams to optimize processes and ac...

North York, ONIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $133K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing biosimilar product development, collaborating with global vendors to ensure high-quality manufacturing processes and regulatory compliance from inception to l...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$108K - $201K *

Empower innovative CAR-T cell therapy research by designing and executing experiments, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and generating high-quality data to advance cancer immunobiology and t...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Optimize enterprise software solutions by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring reliable systems and data integrity while driving process improvements and stakeholder engagement across multiple ini...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$157K - $216K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of diagnostics by leading product development and lifecycle management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, enhance customer experience...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.