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 *
Pioneer innovative manufacturing solutions by scaling prototype wet-cell processes into efficient industrial systems. Lead experiments, manage vendors, and ensure safety and performance in production...
Today
Field Application Scientist, xPloration
$140K - $160K *
Drive customer success by providing expert technical support and training for the xPloration platform. Collaborate with sales and science teams to enhance workflows and ensure seamless adoption in bio...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Group Leader/Group Leader IV
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading a high-performing team to ensure quality standards, drive operational improvements, and foster client relationships while managing complex projects and developing team capa...
2 days ago
$105K - $110K *
Join a team that's transforming satellite data access through cloud solutions. Collaborate on developing APIs and applications to enhance user experience and operational readiness in polar oceanograph...
2 weeks ago
Senior Research Professional Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Oversee product testing operations and collaborate on innovative solutions. Drive energy code compliance and provide technical expertise to enhance product development and approvals, ensuring successf...
Today
Senior Scientist - Artificial Intelligence
$113K - $188K *
Partner with us to lead innovative AI projects in the energy sector, tackling complex challenges through research and collaboration. Shape priorities, mentor researchers, and drive advancements in mac...
3 weeks ago
Scientist I/II, Biomolecular Discovery
$115K - $155K *
Join a dynamic team to advance drug discovery by producing high-quality protein reagents and generating structural insights. Collaborate across disciplines to develop novel therapeutics in a fast-pace...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Join us in leading the development and execution of comprehensive risk management strategies. Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and mitigate enterprise risks, ensuring organizational r...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in developing and implementing risk management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate enterprise risks, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance requirements w...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Quality Systems
$180K - $200K *
Take ownership of the Quality Management System, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement for medical devices. Collaborate across teams to embed quality throughout the product lifecycle while le...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $115K *
Champion innovative experimental development by collaborating with engineers to design, execute, and analyze laboratory and pilot-scale experiments, enhancing product and process knowledge while ensur...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Technical Program Management
$169K - $355K *
Drive the future of technical program management by shaping multi-year strategies, connecting engineering investments to business outcomes, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver impactful resu...
2 days ago
Senior Director, Technical Program Management
$169K - $355K *
Engineer strategic programs by collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive execution and achieve business outcomes. Shape technical direction, resolve systemic risks, and mentor leaders to enha...
2 days ago
Senior Director, LNP Formulation & Process Development
$213K - $280K *
Pioneer innovative LNP formulation and process development strategies. Lead a dynamic team, ensuring high-quality production and collaboration across programs to support research and preclinical initi...
2 weeks ago
$175K - $263K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative product development in Interventional Urology. Collaborate with a dynamic R&D team to design and enhance groundbreaking medical devices that improve patient outc...
1 week ago
Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Applied AI
$252K - $336K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance AI models for customer-specific workflows. Leverage your expertise in post-training and evaluation to drive model quality and reliability, collaborating with researchers...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Applied AI
$252K - $336K *
Drive the adaptation of advanced AI models to meet customer-specific needs, ensuring reliable workflows and high-quality outputs through expert post-training and evaluation techniques in a collaborati...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Global Product Strategy, Autonomous Laboratories
$163K - $306K *
Drive global product strategy and innovation by connecting emerging trends with actionable insights. Collaborate across regions to shape the future of laboratory practices and enhance customer experie...
3 weeks ago
Director, Ligand Binding Assays
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of bioanalytical science by leading Ligand Binding Assay teams, driving innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering collaboration across multiple sites to enhance drug d...
1 month ago
$117K - $184K *
Elevate your career by providing software and data engineering expertise to transform scientific tools into scalable, production-grade solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive imp...
2 weeks ago
$117K - $184K *
Unlock potential by providing software and data engineering expertise to transform scientific tools into scalable, production-grade solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance drug...
2 weeks ago
$115K - $172K *
Advance cutting-edge metrology solutions by leading research and development projects, collaborating with partners, and driving innovation in semiconductor measurement technologies...
3 weeks ago
$115K - $172K *
Champion the development of cutting-edge metrology solutions, driving scientific research and collaboration to enhance semiconductor manufacturing technologies and support advanced measurement systems...
3 weeks ago
$157K - $216K *
Shape the future of clinical quality control by driving product growth, lifecycle management, and strategic marketing initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate market insights...
2 days ago
$157K - $216K *
Shape the future of clinical quality control by driving product growth, lifecycle management, and market strategy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate insights into actionable plans t...
3 days 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.