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.
Senior Manager, Marketing, Daraxon 1L NPP
$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...
Today
$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
Senior Engineer - Drug Substance Technology & Engineering
$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
Senior Automation Scientist/Engineer — Biologics Engineering
$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
Senior /Principal Scientist- (Multiple Sclerosis)
$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
Scientist II, Cell Pharmacology
$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
$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
Project Manager - Equipment Development Group
$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
Senior Director, Enterprise Portfolio Manamagement
$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
Senior Director, Enterprise Portfolio Manamagement
$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
Senior Director, Enterprise Portfolio Manamagement
$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
$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
$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
Director, Technology Development
$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
Chemical Development Senior Scientist III
$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
Chef principal, Ingénierie de procédés
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Scientist 2/Engineer 2, MSAT Upstream or Downstream
$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
$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
Scientist - Product Development Quality
$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
Lead Principal Software Engineer
$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
$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
Upstream Scientist - Large Scale Development Operations
$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
Sr Principal Engineer, Process (hybrid)
$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
Senior Technical Program Manager
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Research Scientist (Analytical Chemist – PFAS Analysis)
$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
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.