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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$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

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of advanced characterization by leading innovative mechanical and thermal analysis. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex challenges and drive product development...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $115K *

Lead the charge in early-phase drug substance analytical development, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and oversee critical process development activities while ensuring compliance...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in advancing environmental research by designing and supervising complex experiments, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and collaborating with a diverse team of scientists...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$129K - $193K *

Drive growth in molecular diagnostics by creating market strategies, launching campaigns, and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance transplant patient outcomes globally. Shape compelling narrati...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the optimization of crystal growth processes, enhancing production efficiency and quality. Collaborate on new product development and process improvements while ensuring compliance with customer...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$83K - $125K *

Unlock potential by leading technical projects in biopharmaceutical formulation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes and ensure compliance with GMP standards, contributing to...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $170K *

Join a team that's transforming drug development through data science. Leverage your expertise to build predictive models and analytics, driving process improvements and technology transfer in a colla...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Join our dynamic team as a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, driving innovative recruiting strategies to attract top talent in life sciences and engineering. Shape the future of our organization t...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$250K - $275K *

Transform the future of drug development by leading Analytical Development for small molecules and oligonucleotides. Drive scientific strategy, build a high-performing team, and ensure regulatory read...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $131K *

Elevate your career by leading complex cultural resources projects, mentoring staff, and driving business growth. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure compliance and deliver high-quality outcomes...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovative research and technology development in photonic materials, providing strategic guidance and technical assessments to enhance scientific opportunities and transition efforts across...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $150K *

Champion effective publication strategies and lead scientific communication initiatives, acting as a strategic partner to clients and teams. Navigate complex medical affairs content to drive impactful...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Lead and empower a team of scientists in the Biologics Analytical group, overseeing late-stage biologics product development and ensuring robust analytical methods for commercialization. Drive innovat...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Innovate the future of automated wet-lab instruments by leading design, testing, and integration efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions while managing compl...

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading healthcare data analyses and experiments. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product capabilities and deliver impactful insights that drive client success and innova...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$231K - $365K *

Champion innovative drug safety strategies by leading a collaborative team of pathologists and scientists, leveraging expertise in toxicological pathology and drug development to enhance safety profil...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $123K *

Make your mark at the forefront of biopharmaceuticals as you execute and optimize bioassays, support commercial manufacturing initiatives, and engage in cross-functional collaboration to drive innovat...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $200K *

Transform project delivery by aligning scientific talent with project needs, ensuring timely and budget-conscious outcomes while shaping the scientific direction of a growing team. Collaborate closely...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$93K - $174K *

Contribute to groundbreaking drug discovery by advancing disease biology understanding, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and utilizing histology techniques to support target identification...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Drive innovation in cryogenic gas processing technologies, leading project execution and technical development. Collaborate with teams to enhance design practices and support business growth through t...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in cryogenic gas processing technologies. As a senior leader, you'll oversee project execution, mentor engineers, and enhance design practices to ensure competiti...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Unlock your potential as a technical leader in cryogenic gas processing. Drive innovation, mentor engineers, and enhance project execution while shaping the future of natural gas technologies from inc...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.