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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$89K - $149K *

Drive innovation in mRNA formulation by designing and developing cutting-edge delivery systems. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance product understanding and accelerate development, making a mea...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Champion innovation by leading bioanalytical studies, ensuring compliance and data integrity in a GLP environment. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality results and mentor junior scientists w...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to executing regulated bioanalytical studies, ensuring data integrity, and delivering high-quality results. Leverage your expertise in LC-MS/MS and guide junior scientists...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Advance modeling capabilities by developing numerical methods and integrating machine learning. Collaborate with engineers to modernize frameworks and enhance simulation processes through practical so...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$81K - $105K *

Lead the charge in environmental science by managing complex projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with clients and agencies to deliver innovative solutions across...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $161K *

Join a dynamic team to advance research on mammalian stress responses and disease. Leverage your expertise in in vivo studies and cell culture to drive impactful projects while collaborating across di...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading clinical data review and innovative strategies to enhance clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive execution and improve pat...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $264K *

Unlock potential by leading critical data center infrastructure projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive efficiency and support organizational...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Manage the end-to-end execution of critical data center infrastructure projects, ensuring timely delivery and risk mitigation. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to drive project success and enhanc...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$131K - $165K *

Join us as a Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead operational excellence, drive continuous improvement, and ensure compliance in a regulated environment. Collaborate with cross-functional t...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$118K - $180K *

Lead cross-functional teams to drive New Product Introductions in Advanced Deposition Materials, ensuring alignment across engineering, operations, and manufacturing to meet customer performance and q...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$118K - $180K *

Elevate your career as a Lead Technical Program Manager, driving innovative product introductions from concept to high-volume manufacturing while ensuring cross-functional alignment and quality standa...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $115K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of healthcare project management, leading integrated campaigns while mentoring teams and ensuring excellence in execution, communication, and client relationships...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $115K *

Join a team that's redefining healthcare project management. Lead integrated initiatives, mentor talent, and drive excellence across diverse campaigns while fostering collaboration and innovation in a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $115K *

Join a team that's redefining healthcare project management through innovative strategies and collaborative execution. Lead integrated campaigns while mentoring a dynamic team, ensuring excellence in...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $137K *

Transform your career by joining a multidisciplinary team to evaluate groundwater movement, water quality, and climate change impacts. Contribute to high-level scientific projects and develop innovati...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Engage in technology transfer activities by developing manufacturing processes for injectables. Collaborate on client projects, lead technical solutions, and ensure successful scale-up while maintaini...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$238K - $289K *

Lead the successful delivery of a major nuclear project, overseeing all phases from development to operational handover. Drive strategy, governance, and stakeholder engagement to ensure safe and effec...

Markham, ONIn-Person

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving scientific project success through effective management of timelines, stakeholder relationships, and risk mitigation, ensuring projects meet objectives and deli...

Laval, QCIn-Person

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in managing scientific projects, ensuring timely execution and effective communication among stakeholders while navigating budgets and mitigating risks for successful outcomes...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $187K *

Join a team that's advancing cutting-edge research by applying mass spectrometry technologies to uncover novel biological insights and develop innovative drug discovery approaches, collaborating acros...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$109K - $164K *

Elevate your career by optimizing operations as a Process Engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality, streamline processes, and drive cost improvements while ensuring...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer the Program Management Office, driving strategic alignment and efficiency across projects. Lead and mentor a dynamic team, implement best practices, and enhance organizational processes to ach...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $90K *

Lead the charge in conducting advanced chemical analyses for food products, ensuring quality and compliance. Mentor junior chemists while managing projects and optimizing analytical methods to support...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$116K - $264K *

Join a team that's redefining demand planning across GPU, Compute, Storage, and Network. Lead cross-functional initiatives, enhance operational cadence, and drive strategic programs to ensure timely...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.