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 *

Unlock potential by leading complex, cross-functional operations programs that drive excellence and growth across global manufacturing networks, ensuring compliance and stakeholder alignment throughou...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$104K - $143K *

Join a dynamic team to evaluate clinical program performance using advanced statistical and epidemiologic methods. Drive impactful analyses that inform strategic decisions and enhance healthcare outco...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Lead innovative product and process development initiatives, integrating internal and external capabilities to optimize solutions and enhance customer satisfaction. Drive project success through colla...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading product development initiatives, integrating innovative processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver industry-leading solutions while ensuring compli...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$95K - $115K *

Lead the development and optimization of innovative processes and formulations, integrating internal and external capabilities to enhance product platforms and ensure project success. Collaborate with...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's transforming pilot processes into scalable solutions. Leverage your expertise in process design and hands-on equipment operation while nurturing safety and quality in a dynamic star...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $130K *

Manage quality control and analytical development for microbial products, ensuring compliance with specifications and leading assay validation. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product qualit...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$100K - $300K *

The Research Scientist at Skild AI will lead the development of advanced techniques for robotic systems, focusing on machine learning and robotics. The role involves collaborating with a team to innov...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $300K *

Transform the future of robotics by developing innovative algorithms and methods. Collaborate with a dynamic team to advance machine learning and robotic systems, driving impactful research and techno...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$93K - $113K *

Lead analytical method transfer and implementation in GMP environments while fostering collaboration across departments for continuous improvement and compliance in clinical and commercial programs...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $231K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced human-relevant in vitro models to support drug discovery and safety evaluation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and implement complex systems...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$136K - $217K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of mechatronics innovation, collaborating with diverse teams to design and refine advanced electromechanical systems and robotics solutions, transforming ideas int...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$158K - $295K *

Unlock innovative solutions by leading technical teams to develop user-focused products. Drive AI strategy, foster continuous learning, and ensure technical governance while solving complex challenges...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$158K - $295K *

Elevate your career by leading the development of innovative AI-driven tax and accounting solutions. Drive technical direction, mentor engineers, and shape the future of scalable, resilient software e...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$142K - $193K *

Shape the future of supply chain experimentation by designing and implementing large-scale studies, building analytical tools, and advancing causal inference methodologies to drive impactful business...

3 weeks ago

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

$130K - $155K *

Drive advanced analytics and AI solutions to transform commercial decision-making, leading model development and mentoring teams to enhance business outcomes and establish next-gen capabilities in a d...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Innovate advanced analytics and AI solutions to transform commercial decision-making. Lead model development, mentor teams, and drive measurable business outcomes while collaborating with stakeholders...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$157K - $196K *

Transform the future of engineering solutions by leading a team of data scientists and engineers to innovate machine learning applications for the manufacturing sector, driving advancements in modelin...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining scientific data management in drug discovery. Lead the scientific data team, bridging scientists and engineers to ensure data integrity, quality, and innovative solutions...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$87K - $137K *

Empower the future of laboratory automation by designing innovative systems that integrate robotics and data, enhancing scientific workflows and enabling groundbreaking discoveries in pharmaceutical r...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Champion analytical development to drive the design, filing, and launch of pharmaceutical products, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing laboratory efficiency through innovative...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $242K *

Champion innovative cancer research by leading target identification and validation efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic advancements in induced proximity and functional...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$97K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to advance seed and trait product development, leveraging your expertise in plant breeding and data analysis to drive innovation and support sustainable agriculture across North Am...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Inspire scientific excellence by leading complex assay development and validation. As a key technical expert, you'll guide teams, resolve challenges, and ensure high-quality outcomes while influencing...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Lead microbiological initiatives by providing technical expertise, ensuring compliance, and driving lab improvements in a high-throughput pharmaceutical environment. Collaborate with teams to enhance...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.