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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$96K - $144K *

Drive impactful environmental projects by leading teams, nurturing client relationships, and ensuring regulatory compliance in the energy sector. Collaborate to grow business opportunities while deliv...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Develop and manage complex environmental projects in the energy sector, fostering client relationships and leading teams to ensure project success while navigating regulatory landscapes and driving bu...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Inspire and lead multi-disciplinary teams in managing complex environmental projects, driving performance and client relationships in the energy sector while ensuring regulatory compliance and technic...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Champion client relationships and lead multi-disciplinary teams to drive project success in the energy sector. Inspire collaboration, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver high-quality environment...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

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

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Champion growth by leading multi-disciplinary environmental projects, fostering client relationships, and mentoring teams in the energy sector. Drive project success through strategic oversight and co...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Join a team that's driving excellence in environmental consulting for energy projects. Lead multi-disciplinary teams, foster client relationships, and ensure project success while navigating regulator...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Inspire growth by leading multi-disciplinary environmental projects in the energy sector. Build relationships, drive performance, and mentor teams while ensuring compliance with regulations and delive...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

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

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Unlock potential by leading multi-disciplinary environmental projects in the energy sector. Drive performance, mentor teams, and build client relationships while ensuring project excellence and compli...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Shape the future by leading multi-disciplinary environmental projects in the energy sector. Build strong client relationships, drive project performance, and mentor teams while ensuring compliance wit...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Transform your career by leading multi-disciplinary environmental projects in the energy sector. Inspire teams, drive performance, and build lasting relationships while ensuring project excellence and...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Lead the charge in managing complex environmental projects, fostering client relationships, and mentoring teams in the energy sector. Drive performance and ensure project excellence while representing...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$96K - $144K *

Lead and inspire project teams while driving performance and nurturing client relationships in the energy sector. Oversee complex environmental projects, ensuring regulatory compliance and excellence...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$119K - $163K *

Lead the charge in regulatory affairs, ensuring compliance for innovative food products across US and Canada. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to navigate complex regulations and drive strategi...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing production processes, ensuring compliance, and driving quality improvement across manufacturing operations through collaboration with diverse teams and hands...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$148K - $160K *

Shape the future of drug safety by leading pharmacovigilance efforts, ensuring compliance with global regulations, and mentoring junior staff. Collaborate across teams to analyze safety data and suppo...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$233K - $262K *

Transform your career by leading cross-functional teams in clinical trial design and execution. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to drive innovative hematology research and ensure successful prod...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$187K - $270K *

Transform your career by leading the design and implementation of advanced web handling systems. As a technical authority, you'll drive innovation, mentor engineers, and shape the future of high-preci...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$160K - $190K *

Unlock potential by re-engineering core ML systems for peak performance, combining deep expertise in HPC and parallel programming with novel algorithms to drive the future of quantitative research in...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$157K - $201K *

Champion complex product development from concept to launch, leading cross-functional teams to align vision and objectives. Drive strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement to del...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Drive the selection and qualification of organic materials for satellite operations. Collaborate across teams to define requirements, perform analyses, and develop a materials database, ensuring succe...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $100K *

Empower our dynamic biotech environment by leading laboratory operations, enhancing processes, and ensuring compliance. Collaborate cross-functionally to support R&D and optimize resources for efficie...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $220K *

Lead a global applications team to drive scientific insights and technical capabilities, ensuring alignment with customer needs and organizational strategy while fostering collaboration and talent dev...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$187K - $239K *

Champion the future of pharma manufacturing by leading tech transfer and CDMO partnerships. Drive pilot scale production and GMP oversight, ensuring seamless collaboration across teams to deliver inno...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.