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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$120K - $145K *

Champion the development of innovative aerospace and defense technologies, leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget while ensuring alignment with customer expectati...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $215K *

Lead the execution of innovative computational strategies for single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, driving biomarker discovery and clinical insights through high-dimensional data analysis in a col...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$197K - $264K *

Join a dynamic team to design and scale AI-powered applications, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making. Collaborate with leaders to drive AI adoption and create impactful solutions acro...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$126K - $170K *

Innovate solutions within drug product development by spearheading formulation and fill/finish processes for biologics, driving efficiency through automation and data-driven decision-making while coll...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$102K - $153K *

Champion customer success by leveraging your technical expertise to drive revenue growth and foster strong relationships. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that a...

Virginia, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative immunology research through experimental design and data analysis. Collaborate across teams to identify and validate therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $100K *

Champion product safety by ensuring compliance with IEC standards. Collaborate on testing and certification processes, while effectively communicating with clients and team members to uphold safety an...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$238K - $280K *

Shape the future of AI/LLM security by leading innovative offensive strategies, defining technical vision, and driving cross-company initiatives to enhance NodeZero's capabilities in identifying and e...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $300K *

Drive biostatistical leadership in clinical trial design, analysis, and project management, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and improve drug an...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$190K - $300K *

Lead biostatistical initiatives in drug and vaccine projects, collaborating across teams to ensure effective trial designs and regulatory compliance. Drive statistical analysis and innovative research...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$167K - $210K *

Lead and enhance pipeline engineering and flow assurance for EPC projects. Engage with multi-disciplinary teams to optimize system performance, ensure safety, and meet client needs while delivering qu...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$75K - $101K *

Advance regulatory compliance and product stewardship for diverse filtration and life sciences products, ensuring safety and sustainability while supporting innovation and business growth across globa...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $101K *

Champion regulatory compliance and product stewardship for diverse filtration and life sciences products, ensuring safety and sustainability while driving business growth and innovation across global...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$128K - $176K *

Join a team that's pioneering innovative extractables and leachables studies, driving scientific excellence and regulatory compliance in medical and pharmaceutical products while collaborating with cr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$102K - $209K *

Join a team that's transforming data center operations by leading complex capacity-delivery programs from site selection to production go-live, ensuring seamless integration and high-quality standards...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$102K - $209K *

Transform data center operations by leading end-to-end capacity delivery programs. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure timely project execution, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement, dri...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$144K - $211K *

Accelerate your career by owning complex cell hardware programs, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely execution of engineering deliverables from development through deployment in a...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team to support environmental investigations and data validation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts, manage analytical data, and contribute to impactful remediation projects wh...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by managing complex pharmaceutical projects, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and delivering quality outcomes while leading cross-functional teams to drive project succ...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$81K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to advance low observable capabilities through scientific research, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring signature requirements are met for air vehicle syst...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $187K *

Transform project documentation management by leading document control systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance project execution and effic...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $183K *

Drive compliance excellence by leading the development and oversight of regulatory frameworks across diverse functions, ensuring alignment with global standards and fostering continuous improvement th...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$105K - $145K *

Drive catholyte development in R&D, leading research strategy and mentoring a team. Leverage expertise in electrochemistry and materials characterization to enhance solid-state battery performance and...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Transform aerospace materials engineering by leading metallic materials selection, qualification, and testing for spacecraft and propulsion systems. Drive innovation through analysis, prototyping, and...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $180K *

Join a team that's pivotal in driving clinical development programs, focusing on protocol-specific activities and cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful execution and monitoring of clinic...

Brisbane, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 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.