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.
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
Senior Product Manager, Laboratory Analytics and Optimization Solutions, Performance Partnership
$185K - $215K *
Lead the strategy and development of a transformative laboratory analytics platform, connecting cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and scalable solutions for health systems, enhanc...
Reposted today
Principal Engineer, Drug Product
$142K - $256K *
Join a team that's redefining drug product manufacturing by providing technical leadership and expertise across global operations. Drive innovation, establish engineering standards, and lead complex p...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Analytical and Reliability Scientist
$120K - $162K *
Engineer innovative analytical methods and product testing for a cutting-edge CCL R&D program. Lead cross-functional teams to establish reliability assessments and ensure high-quality standards in a d...
Reposted 3 days ago
$136K - $204K *
Lead the charge in applied research to enhance economic strategies for low- and moderate-income communities. Collaborate with stakeholders, publish findings, and guide junior researchers to inform pol...
1 week ago
$120K - $140K *
Lead the charge in advancing upstream bioprocessing through scientific insights and technical leadership. Collaborate across teams to drive product development and enhance customer outcomes in cell cu...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Advance the future of pharmaceutical testing by conducting laboratory analyses, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and developing analytical methods to support product quality and regulatory r...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize the Quality Management System for two accredited laboratories, ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025. Lead quality initiatives, manage audits, and develop the quality team to enhance operati...
Yesterday
Principal Technical Project Manager
$120K - $145K *
Deliver innovative solutions as a Technical Project Manager, guiding Agile teams to achieve mission outcomes. Collaborate with stakeholders, manage risks, and drive project success through effective p...
1 week ago
$142K - $193K *
Empower a global team by developing AI-driven optimization models that enhance recruitment processes, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across diverse markets while collaborating with experts to d...
1 week ago
$142K - $193K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing robotics through AI and advanced automation. Shape the future of human-robot collaboration by developing innovative systems that enhance adaptability and efficiency...
2 weeks ago
$142K - $193K *
Pioneer the future of robotics by developing advanced systems that integrate AI and automation. Collaborate with top-tier teams to create adaptable solutions that enhance human-robot interaction and t...
2 weeks ago
Senior Field Applications Scientist, Proteomics & Biopharma
$104K - $156K *
Transform customer engagement by providing expert technical support and training in advanced analytical instrumentation. Collaborate across teams to optimize applications and drive scientific breakthr...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive advanced intelligence analysis of foreign WMD programs, leveraging scientific research and interdisciplinary physics expertise to support DoD and USG counter-WMD efforts while conducting indepen...
2 weeks ago
Scientist / Senior Scientist, Computational Biology
$110K - $130K *
Innovate the future of biomolecular design by leading computational biology initiatives, integrating AI and machine learning into high-throughput discovery, and collaborating with cross-functional tea...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer - ML Operations
$180K - $220K *
Drive the end-to-end ML and LLM lifecycle, optimizing AI workflows and automations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure scalable, reliable production of AI-driven solutions while impleme...
6 days ago
$91K - $150K *
Champion innovative product development by leading cross-functional teams in complex NPI and strategic initiatives. Drive projects from concept to launch, ensuring alignment across engineering, manufa...
Yesterday
Scientist I - Downstream Process Development
$135K - $155K *
Optimize purification processes for therapeutic biologics, collaborating across teams to ensure robust, scalable solutions for clinical and commercial applications. Drive experimental design and data...
Reposted 1 week ago
$85K - $125K *
Transform the future of protein analytics by leveraging your expertise in LC-MS and chromatographic techniques. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive product development and regulatory submissions...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $115K *
Advance analytical excellence at a leading biopharma firm by leveraging expertise in LC-MS and chromatographic techniques to support protein analytics from development to commercialization...
2 weeks 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.