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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$150K - $189K *

Shape the future of oncology marketing by developing and executing strategic plans for innovative RAS(ON) programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive impactful initiatives and ensure su...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Elevate the customer experience as a Global Program Manager, spearheading post-sale strategies for major Enterprise clients. Collaborate with internal teams and leaders in Life Sciences to drive imple...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $156K *

Transform the future of biologics manufacturing by providing engineering oversight and support for downstream purification processes, ensuring successful technology transfer and process optimization a...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$124K - $171K *

Shape the future of biologics discovery by leading automation integration and optimization. Collaborate with scientists to develop robust, scalable platforms that enhance data quality and streamline w...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $262K *

Shape innovative translational research for multiple sclerosis, driving biomarker and drug development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance clinical trials through cutting-edge techniqu...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $157K *

Empower scientific discovery by developing and executing innovative cell-based assays. Collaborate across teams to drive drug discovery and enhance therapeutic advancements, while fostering a culture...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer toxicological evaluations to enhance product stewardship and compliance. Collaborate across teams to integrate scientific rigor into regulatory strategies, driving innovation in tobacco and ni...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$67K - $173K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative engineering solutions by managing project lifecycles, coordinating resources, and ensuring customer satisfaction across diverse technical challenges in a dynam...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$186K - $266K *

Transform enterprise portfolio management by leading governance, demand management, and strategic delivery oversight. Collaborate with executives to align investments with business priorities and driv...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$186K - $266K *

Lead the charge in enterprise portfolio governance and demand management, ensuring strategic technology initiatives align with business priorities. Drive transparency, accountability, and value realiz...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$186K - $266K *

Join us to lead the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office, driving strategic technology initiatives and governance. Collaborate with executives to align investments with business goals, ensuring effe...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$138K - $193K *

Join us in defining the mechanical architecture for cutting-edge systems, optimizing designs, and enhancing performance. Collaborate across disciplines to drive innovation from concept to production...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

The Sr. Project Manager is responsible for overseeing construction activities, ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget. This role involves managing client relationships...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$200K - $250K *

Champion innovative reactor technologies by leading a multidisciplinary R&D team. Drive experimental design, manage project milestones, and ensure successful integration into plant operations while ad...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Optimize chemical synthesis routes and develop new methodologies for key intermediates and APIs. Collaborate with teams to conduct multistep syntheses, ensuring product purity and compliance while mai...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Pioneer innovative engineering projects in a sterile manufacturing environment, optimizing processes and equipment while ensuring technical leadership and adherence to quality standards within budgeta...

Candiac, QCIn-Person

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Drive process validation excellence by designing and executing robust strategies. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and enhance manufacturing processes, contributing to safe and consistent...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career by leading the design and development of innovative respiratory systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance existing products and drive next-generation solutions in...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Lead quality assurance initiatives in Veterinary Medicine Research & Development, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while collaborating on product development and technical transfers to en...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$146K - $306K *

Architect intelligent network automation platforms that enhance OCI's physical network operations. Lead technical direction, design scalable systems, and mentor engineers to drive innovation and effic...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$106K - $138K *

Join us to lead maintenance and reliability initiatives, ensuring safety and compliance while developing your team. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to drive operational excellence and optimi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Elevate your career by developing and optimizing upstream bioprocesses for biologics and vaccines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality while...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead technical workstreams to enhance program outcomes through innovative methods and analyses. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate solutions, advise on complex decisions, and ensure...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $275K *

Manage the delivery of GPU clusters for AI workloads by coordinating teams across engineering, networking, and operations. Develop strategies, manage risks, and ensure timely, quality launches to scal...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K *

Drive innovative PFAS analytical methods and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance technologies for PFAS destruction and remediation, ensuring high-quality data and effective communicati...

3 days ago

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

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.