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.
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
Lead Principal Site Reliability Engineer
$96K - $264K *
Drive the site reliability engineering strategy for large-scale platforms, ensuring system reliability, scalability, and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational rea...
4 days ago
Senior Manager, Software Development
$95K - $135K *
Drive technical excellence and team growth by leading software development initiatives, managing resources, and ensuring project alignment with business goals while maintaining security and operationa...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Global Market Research
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your market research expertise to drive insights that optimize growth for pipeline assets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into actio...
Reposted 2 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Elevate project outcomes by managing multiple low- to medium-risk projects, guiding diverse teams to achieve key deliverables while ensuring compliance with budget, timeline, and safety standards thro...
Reposted 3 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Manage large-scale projects critical to success, overseeing planning, budgeting, and resource allocation while leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver quality results on time and within budget...
1 month ago
$88K - $105K *
Engineer innovative CPVC formulations to enhance product performance and drive commercialization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, leveraging data analytics and scientific expertise to solve c...
1 week ago
$90K - $135K *
Lead the charge in advanced materials innovation, focusing on tribology and seal-face technologies. Drive R&D efforts to enhance product reliability and performance, collaborating with cross-functiona...
Today
$90K - $135K *
Transform the future of advanced materials by leading R&D in tribology and ceramics. Drive innovation to enhance product reliability and performance while collaborating with cross-functional teams and...
Today
Scientist I / Scientist II, Biochemistry R&D
$97K - $168K *
Grow your career with a dynamic R&D team, executing diverse biochemistry protocols, enhancing sequencing workflows, and collaborating across projects to drive innovation and precision in molecular bio...
Today
Director, Bioprocess Engineering
$175K - $225K *
Drive your career with a leadership role in bioprocess engineering, overseeing fermentation and downstream processing for engineered protein production. Lead a team, manage technology transfers, and i...
3 weeks ago
Scientist I, In Vitro Pharmacology
$100K - $126K *
Advance your career by developing and executing innovative assays to support drug discovery. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive scientific progress and contribute to impactful pharmacology projec...
4 weeks ago
Senior Product Leader, Therapeutics Discovery
$126K - $234K *
Unlock the potential of scientific informatics by owning product roadmaps that enhance assay workflows, ensuring data capture and context are integral to experimental processes across diverse drug dis...
4 days ago
$104K - $186K *
Join a team that's advancing pediatric cancer research through innovative preclinical studies. Collaborate with experts to develop and oversee therapeutic testing, ensuring compliance and excellence i...
2 weeks ago
Process Development Senior Scientist - Drug Product Technologies
$126K - $170K *
Join our dynamic team to advance early-stage drug product development, focusing on antibody-drug conjugates and biologics. Collaborate cross-functionally to design formulations, establish processes, a...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Process-Mechanical/Chemical Engineer
$130K - $170K *
Reimagine your engineering career by leading process design for advanced technology facilities. Drive technical excellence in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and team development while ens...
Reposted today
Senior Process-Mechanical/Chemical Engineer
$130K - $170K *
Lead the charge in designing complex process systems for advanced technology facilities, driving project success and team growth while ensuring high quality and regulatory compliance in semiconductor...
Reposted today
Senior Process-Mechanical/Chemical Engineer
$130K - $190K *
Lead the charge in designing advanced systems for semiconductor facilities. Oversee dynamic projects, ensuring technical excellence and team development while driving client satisfaction and complianc...
Reposted today
Senior Process-Mechanical/Chemical Engineer
$130K - $190K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative design projects in semiconductor and advanced technology sectors. Drive technical excellence while mentoring a dynamic engineering team to ensure top-quality pro...
Reposted today
Associate Medical Director (RadScience)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the creation of impactful scientific content, enhancing medical education and patient outcomes. Collaborate cross-functionally, mentor writers, and drive excellence in heal...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Sensory Scientist, driving sensory science initiatives across Human Nutrition & Health. Lead studies, train teams, and collaborate with partners to enhance product qual...
2 weeks ago
Scientist I/II, Modality Engineering
$111K - $150K *
Champion innovative oligonucleotide and AAV therapeutic design, synthesis, and characterization. Collaborate across disciplines to advance genetic heart disease therapies, ensuring quality and efficie...
1 week ago
Principal Software Architect - Emerging Technologies
$175K - $222K *
Engage in architecting high-volume autonomous agent pipelines, ensuring safety, performance, and compliance. Own the generator-verifier architecture and CI/CD processes while setting engineering stand...
1 week ago
$131K - $153K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative toxicological strategies to ensure ingredient safety and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address global scientific challenges while infl...
3 days ago
Scientist/Engineer, Mixed Modality Technical Operations - Lilly Medicine Foundry
$67K - $173K *
Join a dynamic team to support and enhance manufacturing operations, ensuring effective execution on the floor. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive process improvements and operational readiness i...
6 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.