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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Principal Technical Consultant, Scientist
$110K - $161K *
Shape the future of renewable energy projects by leading permitting and compliance efforts, influencing strategic decisions, and fostering client relationships while collaborating globally to deliver...
Reposted 3 days ago
Principal Technical Consultant, Scientist
$110K - $161K *
Lead the charge in permitting and compliance for major electric transmission and renewable projects. Influence strategic decisions while building strong client relationships and collaborating globally...
Reposted 3 days ago
Principal Scientist I, Biologics Drug Product Development
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in biologics drug product development, collaborating across teams to innovate and enhance processes. Drive formulation, scale-up, and tech transfer initiatives while effectively commun...
3 days ago
$72K - $94K *
Join a team that's advancing R&D in industrial minerals by executing experimental plans, analyzing data, and developing testing procedures. Contribute to innovative product applications in a supportiv...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Partner with us to innovate and enhance food processing techniques, developing new products and optimizing existing processes while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive commercialization...
2 weeks ago
Research Engineer, Scientific Data & Workflow Infrastructure
$148K - $240K *
Contribute to an innovative AI-driven drug discovery platform by designing and managing data pipelines that enhance the efficiency of experimental cycles, directly impacting the speed of new medicine...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$200K - $225K *
Shape the future of interdisciplinary research by leading the Schmidt Science Polymaths program. Drive strategy, manage operations, and foster relationships with awardees to enhance scientific collabo...
1 week ago
Senior Research Scientist - Battery and Data Center Safety
$121K - $173K *
Shape the future of battery safety by advancing research methodologies and engineering solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to evaluate thermal and fire hazards, ensuring high-quality standards in...
Today
Lab Operations Manager- Process and Synthesis labs
$66K - $118K *
Lead daily operations and compliance in synthetic laboratories, ensuring readiness for manufacturing and development activities while fostering collaboration across functional teams and promoting a cu...
Reposted 2 days ago
Lab Operations Manager- Process and Synthesis labs
$66K - $118K *
Shape the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing as Lab Manager, ensuring operational readiness and compliance while collaborating across diverse teams to drive laboratory excellence and efficiency at...
Reposted 2 days ago
Principal AI Engineer - Evinova
$144K - $189K *
Lead the design and implementation of advanced AI systems that enhance healthcare solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and impact clinical outcomes through intellig...
4 days ago
Principal Software Engineer - Marketing Technology
$155K - $197K *
Innovate as a Tech Lead, driving architectural evolution and engineering execution for a global web platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance digital experiences through advanced AI...
1 week ago
$121K - $166K *
Partner with us to advance innovative quality control products in R&D. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product integrity and drive scientific advancements in infectious disease diagn...
Reposted 3 days ago
$100K - $209K *
Unlock potential by leading data-driven initiatives to optimize infrastructure processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable models and solutions, ensuring high-quality data s...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Oversee and enhance the Quality Management System for two accredited laboratories, ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and regulatory standards. Lead quality initiatives, manage audits, and develop...
Yesterday
Sr. Scientist I, Bioassay Development
$90K - $105K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Scientist I, leading bioassay development and validation projects. Collaborate with clients, mentor team members, and ensure quality in a dynamic lab environment whil...
Reposted today
VP & Head of Global Lab Business Development
$150K - $180K *
Champion growth by leading global lab business development teams, enhancing client relationships, and driving strategic initiatives across laboratory services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $127K *
Elevate your career by executing integrated omni-channel marketing campaigns. Be at the forefront of creative design, project management, and AI-enabled marketing, driving engagement and measurable bu...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Research Scientist/Engineer, Deception
$130K - $155K *
Champion innovative research in deception detection and model training. Lead projects from proposal to implementation, collaborating across teams to enhance AI safety methods and drive impactful resul...
2 days ago
Senior Research Scientist/Engineer, Deception
$125K - $150K *
Elevate research initiatives by leading projects on deception detection and model monitoring. Collaborate across teams to scale findings into practical methods, ensuring reliability and effectiveness...
2 days ago
Principal Clinical Pharmacologist
$150K - $245K *
Unlock potential by leading strategic clinical pharmacology initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance drug development, and providing expert insights to support clinical progra...
3 weeks ago
Principal Clinical Pharmacologist
$150K - $245K *
Lead the development of strategic clinical pharmacology plans, providing expertise and oversight for multiple programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance clinical studies and regulato...
3 weeks ago
Principal Clinical Pharmacologist
$150K - $245K *
Join a dynamic team as a Principal Scientist, providing strategic expertise in Clinical Pharmacology to drive innovative clinical programs and enhance development strategies across multiple projects...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by leading process engineering on SAGD projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables, mentoring teams, and supporting all project phases from concept to start-up in a dynamic, colla...
Reposted today
$80K *
Champion innovative research by leading lab operations, training staff, and enhancing protocols. Drive independent assay execution and troubleshooting while ensuring data quality and compliance in a d...
2 days ago
What does a Principal Scientist do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.