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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$114K - $187K *

Empower global patient safety initiatives by leading safety data analysis and risk assessment for clinical and post-marketing phases, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing patien...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$114K - $187K *

Discover your potential in a pivotal role driving global patient safety strategies, focusing on safety data analysis and risk assessment for clinical and post-marketing phases, while contributing to i...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$114K - $187K *

Empower patient safety initiatives by leading safety data analysis and risk assessment for clinical and post-marketing phases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance safety strategies and...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $200K *

Transform the Safety Assessment department by leading GLP compliance, developing strategic plans, and ensuring operational excellence while mentoring staff and engaging with clients to meet their need...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $175K *

Lead the charge in project management excellence, overseeing planning, execution, and delivery while fostering client relationships and ensuring compliance with industry standards in public sector pro...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Empower product innovation by leading strategy and execution for B2B SaaS solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify customer needs, drive product-market fit, and scale offerings t...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $170K *

Empower clinical excellence by leading multi-country teams to deliver high-quality clinical trials. Drive operational success through strategic planning, team training, and compliance, ensuring timely...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Empower innovation through strategic HR leadership in Science & Tech. Partner with R&D to shape talent strategies and enhance organizational effectiveness, driving business success and a high-performa...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Transform high-volume certification testing by leading teams, optimizing processes, and ensuring safety and quality standards. Drive performance and talent development while fostering a culture of acc...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$80K - $90K *

Join our RNA chemistry team to drive process development and optimization for Prime Editing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance genetic medicine through hands-on manufacturing and inno...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$116K - $149K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of developing innovative protein-based assays. Collaborate across disciplines to drive assay optimization and support cutting-edge multiomic products in a dynamic R...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading technology transfers and new product introductions in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure robust, compliant processes while supporting li...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$249K - $308K *

Champion cross-functional R&D programs, driving strategy and execution for drug development. Lead teams through milestones, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives while managing risks and foster...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$146K - $210K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Electrical Engineer, leading the design of cutting-edge R&D equipment. You'll manage complex electrical systems, ensuring safety and performance while collaborating wit...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer innovative solutions in data science for defense production systems. Lead projects, collaborate with Navy sponsors, and synthesize complex analyses to inform strategic decisions while mentorin...

2 weeks ago

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

$85K - $158K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on advancing therapeutics through innovative mass spectrometry and AI tools. Contribute to drug discovery by executing high-throughput workflows and delive...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $140K *

Join the charge in driving customer success as a Senior Field Application Scientist. Lead evaluations, demonstrations, and installations while crafting essential materials and workflows to showcase ou...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead network engineering efforts to enhance tactical capabilities in air defense systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure secure information exchange and compliance across all phase...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform regulatory strategies for rare disease and cardio-pulmonary drug-device programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and drive successful submissions globally, supp...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$87K - $100K *

Elevate product development by leading innovative engineering projects from concept to launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design reliable, manufacturable bioprocessing equipment while...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Lead the strategic direction and operational oversight of vendor management, ensuring effective governance, performance, and risk management across the vendor ecosystem to support clinical trial succe...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Lead the Vendor Management Office, overseeing vendor governance, lifecycle management, and performance metrics. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure vendor services align with quality, compliance...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$122K - $196K *

Manage global PMO governance for a $150M Capex portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment and effective project delivery across regions. Drive consistency, accountability, and value realization while sup...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $150K *

Explore innovative AI solutions to enhance scientific workflows in Therapeutics Development. Collaborate across teams to design, implement, and evaluate AI-driven applications that support regulatory...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$97K - $110K *

Shape the future of bioinformatics by analyzing multi-omics data to support innovative defense projects. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop data analysis pipelines and advance researc...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.