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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$140K - $175K *

Empower innovation by designing and deploying large-scale search systems that enhance legal, tax, and accounting content retrieval. Collaborate across teams to deliver impactful solutions that drive m...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$147K - $274K *

Transform the future of search and information retrieval by designing and deploying large-scale systems that enhance legal, tax, and accounting content, ensuring reliable and measurable impact across...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$147K - $274K *

Lead the design and deployment of large-scale search systems, enhancing retrieval for legal and enterprise content. Collaborate across teams to optimize architectures and ensure impactful, measurable...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $125K *

Champion excellence in production operations by leading teams, optimizing processes, and ensuring quality. Drive efficiency and foster a culture of continuous improvement while aligning with company g...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$225K - $275K *

Lead the charge in advancing AI/ML capabilities across multiple pillars, driving innovation and technical excellence. Collaborate with elite teams to develop mission-critical models and systems that r...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Champion innovative research by leading efforts to design and validate synthetic proteins, enhancing tissue transparency through advanced imaging and experimental techniques. Collaborate across teams...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$130K - $155K *

Lead global process engineering initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and operational outcomes. Collaborate across a technical network, influencing strategy and driving enterprise-wide improvemen...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$128K - $170K *

Drive innovative measurement and analysis for electro-optic materials and devices, enhancing data quality across full characterization from thin films to final device testing, while collaborating with...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$79K - $125K *

Engage in a dynamic role that links advanced software solutions with customer needs, delivering tailored support and collaborating with R&D teams to optimize software applications for semiconductor ma...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$166K - $202K *

Lead innovative computational strategies in drug design, integrating structure-based and data-driven approaches to enhance small molecule discovery and advance scientific understanding within multidis...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $165K *

Lead the transformation of clinical production processes, optimizing workflows for medical imaging analysts. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance in an FDA...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$139K - $231K *

Join us to ensure data integrity and quality in clinical trials, focusing on Inflammation & Immunology programs. Collaborate across teams to uphold the highest scientific and ethical standards while l...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$119K - $149K *

Partner with us to drive innovative drug discovery as a key contributor in medicinal chemistry, designing and synthesizing biologically active compounds while collaborating with multidisciplinary team...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $127K *

Join a team that's redefining marketing execution through integrated, AI-enabled campaigns. You'll drive engagement and revenue by translating strategic direction into creative assets across digital c...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Drive the technical vision and architecture of a high-performing engineering team, leveraging AI tools to enhance software delivery. Engage deeply in design and implementation while fostering a cultur...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the strategic development and management of R&D laboratory operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency across multiple locations while driving innovation in semiconductor processes an...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead the development and execution of clinical study designs, ensuring effective project management and collaboration across teams. Your expertise will drive the success of clinical trials...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $136K *

Join a team that's redefining data-driven products and workflows. Lead cross-functional initiatives to develop AI solutions, translating complex challenges into actionable strategies while collaborati...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $125K *

Lead innovative preclinical studies in medical device biocompatibility, overseeing protocol development, execution, and reporting while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Eng...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Transform program management by leading complex Microwave Amplification initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success, drive continuous improvement, and foster strong...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$222K - $333K *

Lead the development and execution of biomaterials strategy, overseeing scientific capabilities and cross-functional collaboration to enhance drug delivery platforms and ensure product safety and effe...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$127K - $171K *

Transform cancer research by designing innovative studies and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to advance therapeutic programs and uncover biological insights in oncology...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$68K - $98K *

Elevate the Quality Control operations by performing diverse analytical testing methods, ensuring compliance and readiness for audits while collaborating with multifunctional teams in a dynamic biopha...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$77K - $176K *

Drive the optimization of biomanufacturing processes in a state-of-the-art facility, overseeing a high-performing team to ensure efficient technology transfer and meet rigorous performance metrics for...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Optimize healthcare innovation by leading human factors research for medical devices. Drive usability studies, mentor teams, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while enhancing user experi...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.