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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$144K - $270K *

Join a team that's building advanced AI-driven platforms by designing and optimizing backend systems and data pipelines. Collaborate with researchers to create scalable solutions that enhance scientif...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$98K - $145K *

Lead a dynamic Technical Support Center team to enhance customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Drive strategic initiatives, manage resources, and foster collaboration to achieve business go...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$98K - $145K *

Lead the charge in managing Technical Support Center teams to deliver exceptional service to internal and external customers. Drive strategic planning and change management to achieve business goals a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$230K - $280K *

Unlock potential by providing strategic leadership in DMPK for drug development, guiding programs from discovery to clinical phases. Collaborate across teams to influence key decisions and ensure scie...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$92K - $209K *

Lead strategic initiatives to drive customer adoption of multicloud solutions, collaborating with sales and engineering teams. Utilize technical expertise to address client challenges and influence te...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $209K *

Lead the charge in shaping multicloud solutions by driving customer adoption and collaboration across teams. Utilize your technical expertise to influence strategy and deliver innovative cloud solutio...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $209K *

Join a team that's redefining DevOps tooling by driving product strategy, engaging with customers, and delivering high-impact solutions that enhance developer experiences and streamline workflows acro...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join us to lead innovative evaluations in healthcare, driving quality and access improvements through rigorous research and strategic project management. Collaborate with a diverse team to shape impac...

4 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Champion innovative healthcare research by leading complex evaluations and business development initiatives, fostering collaboration among diverse experts to enhance Medicare and Medicaid services and...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of healthcare by leading complex evaluations and business development initiatives for Medicare models, driving strategic growth and fostering collaboration among diverse teams to enha...

4 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Drive impactful healthcare research by leading evaluations and business development for CMS initiatives. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance quality, access, and cost-effectiveness in health se...

4 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in advancing healthcare research by managing complex evaluations, fostering client relationships, and driving strategic growth initiatives within a collaborative team of experts dedica...

4 weeks ago

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

$118K - $177K *

Champion IVD assay development and next-gen sequencing for precision oncology, driving project execution, collaboration, and technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams to enhance molecular di...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$114K - $234K *

Discover innovative solutions as you lead complex hardware validation efforts, ensuring high-quality server infrastructure through rigorous testing and collaboration across engineering teams throughou...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$126K - $181K *

Unlock potential by leading protein expression and purification efforts, collaborating across teams to enhance therapeutic discovery. Bring your expertise in protein biochemistry and assay development...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$118K - $219K *

Advance drug development by managing cross-functional teams and strategies. Collaborate to maximize efficiency and patient impact, while maintaining strong communication and overseeing project evoluti...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $185K *

Innovate in the development of cutting-edge quantum products by collaborating with a diverse team of engineers and physicists. Drive advancements in materials processing, bonding techniques, and produ...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead and mentor a global team overseeing clinical trial supply operations. Drive compliance and operational excellence across clinical logistics activities, ensuring timely delivery of materials that...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Transform the commercial landscape by leading digital product strategy, integrating AI, data, and technology to enhance customer engagement and drive measurable outcomes across Sales and Marketing fun...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$92K - $122K *

Join a team that's dedicated to maintaining assay performance and ensuring compliance with GMP and regulatory standards. Collaborate across departments to support product release and investigate labor...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Advance clinical research on hydration by executing trials, recruiting participants, and ensuring ethical standards. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance athlete performance through innovative s...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$174K - $210K *

Champion innovation in T cell engager development by leading teams, driving strategies and mentorship, while collaborating across disciplines to revolutionize cancer care and advance groundbreaking im...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Drive your career with a dynamic role managing cross-functional teams to enhance program performance and profitability. Engage with diverse projects while ensuring adherence to schedules, budgets, and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$260K - $290K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI across the enterprise, driving strategy, governance, and adoption. Your expertise will empower missions and enhance national security through innovative AI...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$134K - $175K *

Transform military and commercial hardware design through innovative mechanical engineering. Lead projects, analyze complex systems, and collaborate with teams to deliver robust solutions for maritime...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 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.