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.
$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
$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...
1 month ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Lead Principal Program Manager, Demand Planning
$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
$198K - $368K *
Innovate transformative AI solutions for tax and accounting workflows, leading a high-performing team. Collaborate closely with product experts to enhance customer experience, and drive business strat...
Reposted 6 days ago
Health Scientist, Project Manager - Toxicology and Exposure Science
$95K - $120K *
Lead the charge in managing technical projects in toxicology and exposure science, ensuring high-quality, on-time delivery. Collaborate with senior experts and clients while advancing the Health Scien...
Reposted 1 week ago
Associate Scientist/Scientist I, Molecular Function
$132K - $167K *
Shape the future of protein engineering by leading high-throughput platforms and phage display campaigns. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform raw data into actionable insights, drivin...
Reposted 2 days ago
$101K - $194K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team as you lead hydrogeologic investigations, analyze data, and develop models for diverse environmental projects, particularly in mining. Collaborate with clients and...
1 week ago
$101K - $194K *
Lead the charge in hydrogeologic investigations, guiding teams to analyze data and develop models for diverse environmental projects, particularly in mining. Collaborate with clients to exceed expecta...
1 week ago
$101K - $194K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead hydrogeologic investigations, analyze data, and develop models for diverse environmental projects. Collaborate with clients and mentor staff while driving project succe...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist & Program Lead
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's pioneering AI-driven allosteric drug discovery. In this role, you'll lead enzyme function prediction projects, develop innovative assays, and collaborate closely with engineers to s...
1 week ago
$101K - $194K *
Champion hydrogeologic investigations, leading teams to analyze data and develop models for environmental projects, particularly in mining. Drive project success through effective communication and st...
1 week ago
$101K - $194K *
Lead the charge in hydrogeologic investigations, guiding teams to deliver innovative solutions for diverse environmental projects, particularly in mining. Collaborate with clients and internal teams t...
1 week ago
$101K - $194K *
Shape the future of environmental projects by leading hydrogeologic investigations, analyzing data, and mentoring teams to exceed client expectations in diverse market sectors. Collaborate across disc...
1 week ago
$101K - $194K *
Transform environmental projects by leveraging your hydrogeologic expertise. Lead site characterization efforts, analyze data, and develop models to ensure successful project delivery while mentoring...
1 week ago
$101K - $194K *
Lead the charge in advancing hydrogeologic investigations for diverse environmental projects. Collaborate with teams to analyze data, develop models, and exceed client expectations while mentoring sta...
1 week ago
$101K - $194K *
Lead the charge in hydrogeologic investigations, guiding teams to analyze data, develop models, and deliver exceptional project outcomes for diverse environmental projects, particularly in mining. Col...
1 week ago
Human Resources Director, Single-Use Technologies Division
$149K - $199K *
Join a team that's driving strategic HR initiatives to enhance talent management and organizational growth. Collaborate with leaders to implement effective people strategies that align with business g...
2 days ago
Human Resources Director, Single-Use Technologies Division
$149K - $199K *
Elevate your career by partnering with leaders to drive talent strategies that enhance organizational growth. Collaborate globally to implement effective HR initiatives, ensuring alignment with busine...
2 days ago
Human Resources Director, Single-Use Technologies Division
$149K - $199K *
Elevate your career by partnering with leaders to shape talent strategies that drive business success. Collaborate globally to enhance organizational effectiveness and lead transformative HR initiativ...
2 days ago
Human Resources Director, Single-Use Technologies Division
$149K - $199K *
Transform your career by partnering with leaders to drive talent strategies that enhance organizational growth. Leverage your HR expertise to shape workforce plans, foster engagement, and lead change...
2 days ago
Human Resources Director, Single-Use Technologies Division
$149K - $199K *
Lead the charge in shaping talent strategies that drive business success. Collaborate with global leaders to enhance workforce capabilities, foster engagement, and navigate complex HR challenges while...
2 days ago
Senior Formulation Scientist I
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading formulation development for pharmaceutical products, ensuring timely project completion, and driving innovation in a dynamic lab environment. Collaborate with teams to a...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of HR leadership by driving talent management, employee relations, and organizational development initiatives while collaborating across a matrix organization to align HR strategies w...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director/Senior Director, Computational Chemistry
$176K - $294K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and optimization of heterobifunctional small molecules. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive molecular ideation and computational strategies, shaping...
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.