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.
$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
Bioprocess Scientist - Advanced Therapies Manufacturing - LNP-mRNA
$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
Associate Principal Scientist, Biopharmaceutics
$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
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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
Research Engineer - Data and Evaluation
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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
Senior Clinical Research Scientist
$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
$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
Senior Manager, Talent Analytics & Assessment Science
$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
Associate Principal Scientist, Upstream Process Development
$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
$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
$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
$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
Director Clinical Pharmacology
$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
Senior Manager, PVRM Safety Scientist
$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...
1 week ago
$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
Principal Engineer, Microsoft 365 and Copilot Platforms
$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
Field Application Scientist, Pathway & NGS Analysis Software, QDI
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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
Director, Engineering Systems Design
$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
$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
Senior Research Director, Customer Success
$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
$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...
1 month ago
$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
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.