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 *

Shape the future of operational decision-making by leading a multidisciplinary research program that enhances performance and collaboration within the Air Force. Drive impactful outcomes through effec...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$67K - $173K *

Lead the charge in providing technical support for gene therapy manufacturing, ensuring compliance and process control while driving improvements and innovations in a collaborative environment...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $224K *

Shape biopharmaceutics strategy for SC biologics, guiding formulation and device decisions. Collaborate across teams to assess risks, influence governance, and advance scientific capabilities in drug...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Unlock potential by leading laboratory and pilot plant projects, ensuring quality, safety, and client satisfaction. Manage budgets, coordinate teams, and drive successful outcomes through effective co...

Quebec, QCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$113K - $170K *

Lead the charge in managing sterile injectable drug product projects, ensuring successful execution from initiation to commercial manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet client...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $350K *

Transform the landscape of reinforcement learning by designing evaluations and environments that enhance model training and performance. Collaborate with researchers to identify and address model fail...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive the technical foundation of innovative applications, collaborating with founders and scientists to build full-stack solutions that transform molecular data into actionable insights for patients...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$144K - $216K *

Empower clinical innovation by leading trials and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive drug development strategies and ensure high-quality deliverables in a dynamic environment...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $200K *

Unlock potential by leading the exploration of innovative AI methods, designing rigorous evaluations, and translating research into scalable solutions that drive business impact across diverse applica...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $165K *

Shape strategic talent decisions by leveraging analytics and research to enhance organizational outcomes. Collaborate with HR and business leaders to develop scalable, evidence-based solutions that ad...

Yesterday

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

$142K - $224K *

Transform your career by leading upstream process development for innovative biotherapeutics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize cell culture processes and drive regulatory success in...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of Physical AI by conducting pioneering research and collaborating with top universities. Drive innovation through rapid prototyping and real-world applications, contributing to impac...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $135K *

Elevate your career by applying biophysical and biochemical principles to develop innovative protein formulations and analytical methods for biopharmaceuticals. Collaborate with clients and lead proje...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$86K - $115K *

Drive analytical excellence in a dynamic team, executing and interpreting bioassay experiments while ensuring compliance with safety standards and maintaining scientific rigor in data analysis and rep...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead clinical pharmacology strategies and drive innovative modeling to enhance drug development. Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate pharmacokinetic insights into global plans, ensuring regula...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$157K - $196K *

Drive safety evaluation and risk management for assigned programs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and effective governance in pharmacovigilance activities, while suppor...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$119K - $190K *

Drive the development of innovative single-cell workflows for immune cell profiling, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product capabilities and meet customer needs in a dynamic, mul...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$144K - $216K *

Drive innovation in Microsoft 365 and AI platforms, leading technical delivery and governance. Balance hands-on execution with strategic oversight to enhance enterprise capabilities and user experienc...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $124K *

Lead the charge in delivering impactful scientific software demonstrations and training. Collaborate with diverse teams to address customer needs and enhance bioinformatics solutions, driving innovati...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$103K - $176K *

Shape the future of manufacturing by optimizing plant layouts and processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency, safety, and compliance in a regulated environment, driving c...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$198K - $298K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading systems integration and hardware engineering across disciplines. Shape a high-performing team to deliver innovative life-science solutions while managing techni...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$179K - $255K *

Drive innovation in eyecare by leading advanced research initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop solutions for unmet needs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and ind...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$99K - $130K *

Elevate your career as a Senior Research Director of Customer Success, driving innovation and excellence in brand consulting. Lead client relationships, mentor teams, and deliver impactful insights to...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of geochemistry by providing technical leadership, mentoring staff, and enhancing client relationships across North America in mining and environmental projects...

Denver, CORemote

1 month ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of geochemistry by providing technical leadership, mentoring staff, and enhancing client relationships across complex mining and environmental projects throughout...

1 month ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.