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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$282K - $444K *

Transform the future of oncology by leading clinical development strategies, managing trials, and collaborating with experts to advance innovative breast cancer treatments and ensure safety and effica...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$107K - $160K *

Unlock potential by developing techno-economic models to evaluate fusion power plants' financial viability. Collaborate across teams to enhance analysis, support business development, and communicate...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Lead cross-functional teams to execute complex programs, ensuring on-time delivery and customer satisfaction. Manage all program aspects from ideation to production, while mitigating risks and alignin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join us to lead diverse cross-functional teams in executing mission-critical programs, ensuring customer satisfaction through effective management of scope, schedule, and quality from ideation to prod...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Champion innovative microelectronics programs by leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions on time and within budget, while ensuring customer satisfaction and managing risks eff...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional customer support by installing, maintaining, and repairing advanced laboratory equipment. Drive customer satisfaction and enhance productivity th...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of peptide drug discovery by leading optimization strategies and cross-functional collaboration to transform screening hits into potent lead compounds, driving innovation in medicinal...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $190K *

Shape the future of global sales strategy by leading commercial efforts, driving revenue growth, and enhancing customer engagement across diverse market segments in a dynamic, collaborative environmen...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$148K - $240K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing drug discovery through advanced ML and physics-based infrastructure. Collaborate with scientists to build a robust provenance system that enhances reproducibility an...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$122K - $196K *

Transform your career by leading global capital projects and strategic initiatives. Oversee complex portfolios, drive execution, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve business objecti...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$202K - $235K *

Shape the future of RNA therapeutics by leading bioanalytical and biomarker strategies. Oversee assay development, CRO partnerships, and team building to drive critical data generation for clinical tr...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$128K - $192K *

Elevate product performance by leading hardware and software characterization, developing methodologies, and resolving customer escalations. Collaborate with engineering teams and support installation...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$123K - $184K *

Unlock potential by leading process development for innovative cell therapy solutions. Engage with multidisciplinary teams to enhance drug candidate manufacturing, drive project successes, and ensure...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by managing complex environmental projects, leading teams, and driving regulatory compliance from planning to closure. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project excellence while...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Champion laboratory excellence by overseeing operations, ensuring compliance, and fostering a safety culture. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance effectiveness and drive continuous improvement a...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Oversee and coordinate complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring client satisfaction and timely delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage resources, mitigate risks, and...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Champion operational excellence by leading strategic growth initiatives, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards, and mentoring a skilled team to meet customer expectations and drive bus...

Burnaby, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$272K - $490K *

Drive the analytical development strategy for mRNA and advanced therapies, leading a multidisciplinary team to ensure robust methods, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle management from early develop...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $210K *

Drive regulatory strategy and leadership in a dynamic biotech environment, ensuring compliance and advancing innovative RNA-based therapeutics through effective global regulatory submissions and stake...

North Carolina, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $210K *

Elevate your career by providing strategic regulatory leadership in a dynamic biotechnology environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovative RNA-based therapeutics from develop...

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to run molecular biology assays and collaborate on AI-designed protein experiments, contributing to innovative protein engineering solutions in a fast-paced environment...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in optimizing pharmaceutical processes, driving innovation, and ensuring compliance. Collaborate across teams to enhance product quality and efficiency while mentoring engineers and ma...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Architect innovative software solutions for semiconductor test platforms, integrating design and coding with hands-on technical leadership while collaborating with global engineering teams to deliver...

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$116K - $162K *

Join a team that's driving technology transfer and process improvements in a dynamic environment. Collaborate cross-functionally to execute manufacturing strategies, supporting multiple sites and ensu...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Unlock new scientific breakthroughs by leading cryo-EM research and mentoring lab members. Collaborate on innovative projects exploring the ubiquitin proteasome system to advance therapeutic strategie...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.