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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$117K - $201K *

Optimize biologics discovery by integrating AI and computational design into therapeutic programs. Collaborate across teams to enhance decision-making and accelerate learning cycles, shaping the futur...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading regulatory CMC strategies for small molecules and biologics, ensuring compliance with global regulations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver key mile...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of regulatory strategies by leading CMC initiatives for small molecules and biologics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and deliver key milestones througho...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $167K *

Elevate scientific innovation by developing advanced in vitro models and methodologies for nonclinical safety assessment. Collaborate across disciplines to drive impactful research and communicate ins...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$93K - $156K *

Join us to drive innovation in API process development, leveraging chemical engineering principles to optimize and scale manufacturing processes. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance efficiency...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$66K - $171K *

Join a team that's pioneering advanced therapies by executing assays and supporting new product introductions in a cutting-edge Quality Control laboratory focused on gene therapy and innovative manufa...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Help us redefine pharmaceutical development by leading innovative data science initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive advanced analytics, AI/ML solutions, and data automation, e...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$98K - $140K *

Drive innovative product development as a Senior Scientist, leading cross-functional teams to create cutting-edge polymer additives. Engage in hands-on lab work, data analysis, and customer collaborat...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$108K - $201K *

Lead innovative medicinal chemistry efforts, driving peptide-based therapeutic programs from hit identification to candidate nomination while mentoring junior scientists and collaborating across teams...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $170K *

Innovate and lead the development of advanced microarray patch manufacturing processes. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance throughput and quality, while mentoring a talented team in a dynamic...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$159K - $207K *

Unlock potential by leading analytical development for late-phase biologics. Drive strategic oversight of control strategies, manage CDMO interactions, and mentor junior scientists while ensuring time...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Transform drug discovery by leading innovative cheminformatics workflows, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to enhance decision-making and accelerate scientific advancements in medicinal che...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Empower scientific innovation by leading the design and validation of agent-enabled workflows in cheminformatics. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to enhance drug discovery processes and driv...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on advancing accelerator physics. Contribute to the maintenance, operation, and innovative upgrades of cutting-edge synchrotron light sources, enh...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$65K - $169K *

Lead the charge in establishing and overseeing the Cleanroom EM program while ensuring compliance with GMP standards. Engage collaboratively across departments to support production readiness and main...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$65K - $169K *

Drive cleanroom environmental monitoring programs, ensuring compliance, data integrity, and inspection readiness. Lead a team, partner across departments, and support manufacturing operations in a sta...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $151K *

Engage in leading protein expression assays for translational research, overseeing assay design, validation, and testing. Supervise lab staff, ensure quality, and communicate results effectively to cl...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Transform external research partnerships by managing day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment between teams, and maximizing stakeholder value through strategic oversight and effective communication...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Drive innovation by leveraging advanced analytical techniques to solve complex scientific challenges. Mentor junior staff, lead cross-functional collaborations, and contribute to strategic initiatives...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Drive innovation as a Senior Scientist, applying advanced analytical chemistry expertise to solve complex problems. Lead cross-functional collaborations, mentor junior staff, and contribute to strateg...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$67K - $173K *

Unlock the potential of pharmaceutical packaging by providing expert technical oversight and support across global operations, ensuring reliable supply and harmonized strategies for new product introd...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $181K *

Join a team that's pioneering the design of novel ionizable lipids and LNP formulations for nucleic acid delivery. As a Senior Scientist II, you'll drive innovation, mentor junior scientists, and infl...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $230K *

Advance therapeutic discovery by leading analytical frameworks for in vivo perturbation data, driving target prioritization, and collaborating with disease experts to enhance translational efficacy ac...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Champion regulatory strategies for innovative natural products, ensuring compliance and safety across global markets. Engage with authorities and industry leaders to secure approvals and drive scienti...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$173K - $272K *

Lead the transformation of scientific data management by driving the Signals strategy, enhancing digital capabilities, and fostering collaboration across teams to deliver actionable insights and impro...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.