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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$110K - $130K *

The Chemical Engineer will lead the scale-up of energetic material synthesis from laboratory to production scale, focusing on developing safe and efficient manufacturing processes. This role involves...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $119K *

Transform sensory insights into actionable strategies by leading innovative research initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product development and improve consumer experience...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$95K - $120K *

Innovate your career by applying computational methods in modeling and simulation to advance semiconductor technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate insights and support materi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $120K *

Join a team that's advancing semiconductor technology through modeling and simulation. Contribute to innovative projects by applying computational methods to evaluate materials and generate insights t...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$174K - $252K *

Transform complex data into actionable insights by leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning methodologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation and enhance use...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$252K - $374K *

Join us to enhance AI security by implementing robust controls across systems, driving cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring compliance throughout the AI lifecycle. Your expertise will help mit...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advancing child health through innovative research in developmental, stem cell, and cancer biology. Drive strategic initiatives, foster collaboration, and mentor a diverse team to t...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

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

$174K - $255K *

Shape the future of digital commerce by driving strategic growth initiatives that enhance customer engagement and purchasing experiences across multiple channels. Lead product strategy and execution t...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $150K *

Unlock potential by conducting chemical risk assessments and evaluations of health effects from toxic exposures. Collaborate with a dedicated team to provide expert toxicology support and communicate...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$116K - $174K *

Explore your potential as a scientific innovator shaping product development. Lead cross-functional initiatives, scout emerging ingredients, and transform insights into science-backed concepts driving...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$96K - $144K *

Shape the future of energy projects by leading multi-disciplinary teams, driving performance, and fostering client relationships while ensuring regulatory compliance and project excellence in the envi...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Drive project success by leading multi-disciplinary teams in the energy sector, fostering client relationships, and ensuring regulatory compliance while mentoring staff and pursuing new business oppor...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$245K - $500K+*

Champion innovative embedded evaluations to enhance AI safety. Collaborate with frontier labs, conduct thorough assessments, and develop strategic methodologies to ensure alignment with human values i...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$96K - $144K *

Elevate project success by leading multi-disciplinary teams in the energy sector, fostering client relationships, and driving performance while ensuring regulatory compliance and technical excellence...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$66K - $171K *

Champion innovative in vivo research in oncology, executing mouse studies to support target validation and efficacy assessments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams while ensuring compliance and m...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$96K - $144K *

Champion the growth of energy sector projects by leading teams, nurturing client relationships, and ensuring project excellence. Drive performance and mentor staff while representing the brand at indu...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Lead and inspire project teams while managing complex environmental projects in the energy sector. Build relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring project excellence and driving business g...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Drive impactful environmental projects in the energy sector, fostering client relationships and leading teams to ensure project success while navigating regulatory landscapes and promoting business gr...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Lead the charge in managing complex environmental projects in the energy sector. Build relationships, inspire teams, and drive performance while ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering hig...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Lead transformative environmental projects in the energy sector, fostering client relationships and guiding teams to ensure project success while driving business growth and maintaining regulatory com...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Join a dynamic team to lead complex environmental projects in the energy sector. Drive performance, mentor talent, and build lasting relationships while ensuring project excellence and compliance with...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Transform the energy sector by leading multi-disciplinary projects, fostering client relationships, and driving team performance. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project excellence and mentor...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Help us drive performance in environmental consulting by leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex energy projects, and fostering client relationships to ensure excellence and growth in the e...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $110K *

Unlock your potential as a Scientist II in Applications R&D, driving formulation design and application testing for personal care products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovativ...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$145K - $175K *

Lead the charge in organizational change strategies, ensuring successful adoption of transformation initiatives across the enterprise. Collaborate with stakeholders to tailor change plans, assess impa...

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

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.