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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$153K - $284K *

Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineering Lead, driving innovative solutions in Electronic Warfare. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and lead complex projects...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Elevate biopharmaceutical development by executing and optimizing analytical assays. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support method validation and product characterization, ensuring quality...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $220K *

Unlock potential by solving complex challenges in Homeland Protection through cutting-edge modeling, multidisciplinary collaboration, and innovative technology designs, while making impactful recommen...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative product strategies in translational biology. Drive growth and commercialization of advanced in vitro human biology models, collaborating across teams to trans...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovative solutions in translational biology, driving product strategy and commercialization. Collaborate across teams to enhance offerings that accelerate research and deliver insights in l...

St. Charles, MORemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$104K - $143K *

Drive innovation in analytical chemistry by leading complex studies and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product safety and quality, ultimately improving patient outcomes globally...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$96K - $132K *

Join a team that's dedicated to improving patient outcomes through innovative research. As a key contributor, you'll perform critical analyses, mentor peers, and drive solutions in a collaborative env...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing bioprocess engineering and microbiology expertise. Drive process improvements, troubleshoot issues, and support technical transfers while ensuring compliance...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$109K - $174K *

Lead the charge in advancing high-throughput screening platforms for viral and bacterial antigens, driving innovative experimental design and collaboration with computational teams to optimize antigen...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$118K - $148K *

Lead the charge in optimizing program performance through advanced financial analysis, cost management, and strategic decision support, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder exp...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$118K - $148K *

Shape program success by leading financial analysis and reporting, optimizing cost and schedule management across multiple programs, and driving strategic decision-making through data insights and pro...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Engineer innovative solutions for optimizing rare earth element processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data architecture and analytical methods, driving advancements in research...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$195K - $277K *

Lead the design and execution of clinical oncology studies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and scientific integrity. Drive project progress and contribute to regulatory...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$195K - $277K *

Drive innovative clinical oncology studies by designing protocols, collaborating with teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Leverage expertise to analyze data, support publications, and mai...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in managing environmental investigation projects, providing technical expertise, and mentoring staff to ensure compliance with regulations while meeting client needs and organizational...

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$180K - $200K *

Champion commercial manufacturing excellence by leading technical operations, ensuring on-time delivery of drug products and APIs, and collaborating with regulatory teams to meet compliance and perfor...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $170K *

Shape the future of semiconductor technology by leading R&D initiatives in atomic layer deposition. Drive innovation, mentor teams, and collaborate across functions to enhance manufacturing processes...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $209K *

Lead innovative translational immunology studies, guiding vaccine and therapeutic development through expert analysis of immune responses in preclinical and human models, while mentoring colleagues an...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $105K *

Empower quality in aseptic pharmaceutical processes by leading microbiological systems, ensuring compliance, and optimizing sterility assurance initiatives, all while driving continuous improvement in...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $105K *

Empower your career by providing technical leadership in microbiological quality for aseptic pharmaceutical manufacturing. Oversee vital processes, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and sup...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing preclinical and clinical research. Utilize your expertise in analytical chemistry to manage studies, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver high-quality da...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$146K - $234K *

Transform complex challenges into innovative solutions by leveraging expertise in RF communications, machine learning, and data analytics to enhance cybersecurity and network research for government a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $234K *

Transform the future of cybersecurity and networking by leveraging advanced RF communications and machine learning techniques to tackle complex challenges in government and commercial sectors...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive the success of bioconjugation process development programs by leading a team of scientists, ensuring robust execution, and fostering collaboration across functions to meet customer needs and reg...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$118K - $180K *

Lead cross-functional teams to drive New Product Introductions in Advanced Deposition Materials, ensuring alignment across departments and delivering high-quality products on time and within scope. El...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.