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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$159K - $215K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative mathematical models to optimize transportation networks. Tackle complex problems in planning and scheduling, driving scientific advancements that enhance effic...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in building a robust project management system to enhance cross-functional collaboration and accelerate product development. Drive strategic projects from inception to launch while ens...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $140K *

Champion custom assay development and technical support, bridging teams to ensure successful implementation of advanced immunoassay platforms. Leverage expertise in immunoassays to drive excellence in...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing complex global projects in aseptic manufacturing, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while mentoring teams and interfacing with senior leadership across diverse...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive clinical research operations for a multidisciplinary program focused on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, ensuring rigorous execution of studies while collaborating with diverse teams to tra...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$149K - $188K *

Help us innovate drug discovery by applying computational chemistry and machine learning. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance molecular modeling, cheminformatics, and predictive analyt...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $110K *

Champion innovative genome editing solutions by executing cell-based assays and high-throughput screening. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive scientific advancements and tackle complex c...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advancing transformative biomedical research initiatives. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, execute, and manage innovative programs that enhance health outcomes t...

Washington DC, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$130K - $155K *

Transform your career by leading innovative data science initiatives in analytical R&D. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive impactful solutions that enhance pharmaceutical development and...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Shape the future of connectivity by leading complex silicon programs. Drive cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance AMS IP on time and within budget, ensuring operational excellence in a fa...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by managing and conducting bioanalytical studies, ensuring scientific integrity and client satisfaction. Collaborate with teams on method development, validation, and project manageme...

Laval, QCIn-Person

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Manage complex global initiatives by leading project execution, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive operational excellence and foster strong clien...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$112K - $182K *

Transform drug product development by leading innovative projects and experiments. Collaborate across teams to optimize processes and technologies, ensuring high-quality outcomes that impact patient c...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $170K *

Join us to lead the development and optimization of fermentation and downstream processing technologies, driving innovation from lab-scale to commercial production while collaborating with cross-funct...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining enterprise data management by leading cross-functional initiatives, ensuring data reliability, and driving strategic insights through advanced program management and tech...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $175K *

Transform healthcare by leveraging computational biology and AI to generate actionable insights from complex datasets, driving innovation in drug discovery and development through collaboration with p...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $175K *

Shape the future of drug discovery by integrating large-scale biological data and AI tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate insights, develop innovative methods, and lead projects...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $160K *

Drive impactful insights in computational biology by integrating large datasets and AI tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance drug discovery and development, while leading projects...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $160K *

Empower innovation by leading computational biology initiatives, integrating large datasets, and driving AI advancements to enhance drug discovery and development. Collaborate with cross-functional te...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $160K *

Drive innovation in computational biology by integrating AI and large datasets to enhance drug discovery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate actionable insights and lead projects that...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Transform manufacturing processes through technical expertise and leadership, driving compliance and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product delivery and foster continuo...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $110K *

Transform consumer safety by managing complex projects for new and existing products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and compliance while conducting thorough research...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$230K - $280K *

Champion analytical development by leading strategy and execution for pipeline products. Drive compliance and quality control while building a high-performing team in a dynamic environment focused on...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$161K - $170K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of environmental science through innovative grantmaking and strategic partnerships. Lead a dedicated team to drive impactful projects and foster collaboration acr...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$177K - $278K *

Unlock enterprise value by leading category strategies and managing a team of category managers. Collaborate with senior stakeholders to optimize external spend, drive innovation, and ensure sustainab...

4 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.