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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$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...
4 weeks ago
Principal Project Governance Leader
$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...
4 days ago
Senior Scientist, Data Science, GenAI - R&D DDSAI - Therapeutics Development & Supply (TDS)
$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
$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
Senior Director - Technical Services/Manufacturing Science (TS/MS)
$168K - $246K *
Drive the strategic direction and operational excellence of a cutting-edge manufacturing site, ensuring compliance, process validation, and innovative practices foster the growth of future technical l...
Reposted today
$100K - $130K *
Champion process optimization and validation in chemical manufacturing. Lead tech transfers and equipment qualifications while fostering a culture of safety and quality. Collaborate with cross-functio...
Today
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative workflows that enhance sales and customer success. Collaborate with experts to generate scientific content and provide application support, ensuring high-quali...
3 weeks ago
R&D Manager, Systems Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Elevate systems engineering practices by leading a multidisciplinary team to drive new product development and modernization initiatives, ensuring technical excellence and cross-functional collaborati...
2 weeks ago
R&D Manager, Systems Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovation by leading a multidisciplinary team in systems engineering, driving product development and integration while enhancing engineering practices across complex instrumentation project...
2 weeks ago
$102K - $104K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team to ensure the safe and efficient operation of building systems. Drive maintenance excellence and implement best practices for optimal performa...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Bioanalytical Services
$95K - $115K *
Lead bioanalytical laboratory operations, ensuring high-quality data delivery for clinical trials. Manage a team, oversee method development, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet projec...
3 days ago
Senior Associate Scientist, LNP Analytical Testing
$86K - $104K *
Elevate your career by conducting critical analytical assays and supporting method development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and contribute to innovative research in a...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $170K *
Lead impactful environmental programs as a Senior Program Manager, overseeing a team and managing client portfolios. Drive growth and profitability while ensuring compliance and fostering relationship...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $170K *
Oversee and manage environmental programs, leading a team of 10-15 while driving growth and profitability. Engage with clients and agencies to enhance service delivery and expand business opportunitie...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $170K *
Lead the charge in managing statewide environmental programs, overseeing a team of professionals while driving growth and profitability. Engage with clients and agencies to deliver innovative solution...
3 weeks ago
$161K - $232K *
Drive program success by managing cost, schedule, and technical performance while fostering customer relationships and leading agile software development initiatives from inception to completion...
2 weeks ago
Principal Project Engineer - Multidisciplinary Engineering and Project Delivery
$117K - $176K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing by managing multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring seamless delivery from design to handover while coordinating with var...
1 week ago
Principal Electrical Engineer, Power Systems
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's pioneering innovative power systems for aviation and ground applications. In this hands-on role, you'll lead the design and validation of medium-voltage electrical systems, ensuring...
2 weeks ago
$91K - $135K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative flow cytometry assays and collaborating across teams to enhance biomarker identification and assay development. Contribute to impactful research in immunology an...
1 week ago
$91K - $135K *
Optimize biomarker identification and assay development through collaboration with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with GMP and effective communication to drive project success and innovat...
1 week ago
$77K - $114K *
Elevate your career by developing innovative flow cytometry assays, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and enhancing automated analysis software. Contribute to cutting-edge projects while ensu...
1 week ago
Director, Downstream Marketing
$200K - $250K *
Lead the charge in driving strategic marketing initiatives within a dynamic team, enhancing product adoption and market presence through innovative campaigns and data-driven insights. Collaborate cros...
Today
$130K - $155K *
Engineer the future of Linked Data and graph systems by leading modernization efforts, defining technical strategies, and mentoring teams. Collaborate closely with Architects and Product to drive stan...
1 week ago
$102K - $160K *
Lead the development of statistical programs and analyses, ensuring CRF and database designs meet advanced needs. Provide high-level statistical support across departments and author comprehensive ana...
2 days ago
$92K - $105K *
Grow your career with a dynamic R&D team focused on agricultural innovations. Engage in field studies, collaborate with experts, and drive impactful research to enhance crop yields and quality across...
1 week ago
What does a Principal Scientist do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.