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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$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

$90K - $209K *

Lead the charge in shaping energy policy and regulatory strategies for data center growth. Engage with key stakeholders to influence business outcomes and navigate complex energy markets, ensuring ali...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$263K - $292K *

Accelerate strategic biostatistics leadership in gene therapy, overseeing biometrics across clinical programs, design initiatives, and regulatory submissions while ensuring collaboration with cross-fu...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading supplier strategy and raw material management in a collaborative R&D environment. Drive innovation in synthesis and scale-up for advanced lithographic applications, ensu...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$191K - $239K *

Innovate in AI and cloud engineering by leading complex projects that integrate multimodal data. Drive technical direction, mentor teams, and build sponsor relationships to address critical mission ch...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Support innovative projects as a Principal Chemical Engineer, providing technical leadership and optimizing processes for Active Anode Material. Collaborate with teams to enhance manufacturing efficie...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $190K *

Lead the charge in solving complex operational challenges across finance, hiring, and strategy. Collaborate closely with executives to drive impactful solutions in a fast-paced, high-growth environmen...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $175K *

Join a dynamic team to drive regulatory submissions for oncology products. Collaborate across functions to ensure compliance and strategic planning, while managing timelines and enhancing regulatory p...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team to manage regulatory submissions for oncology products, ensuring compliance and strategic guidance across cross-functional collaborations. Drive high-quality submissions and contri...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $190K *

Lead the charge in engineering foundations for enterprise AI, collaborating across teams to enhance delivery, reliability, and secure production use of AI technologies, driving innovation and improvin...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Elevate operations by managing complex manufacturing processes, driving strategic growth, and ensuring compliance. Lead high-performing teams to optimize productivity and deliver exceptional customer...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Drive product growth through data analysis and experimentation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user adoption and engagement. Utilize statistical methods to illuminate user journe...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive groundbreaking research on AI agent behavior, set the research agenda, and publish findings. Collaborate with an early team to enhance simulations, detection methods, and address open questions...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of product lifecycle management by leading complex change initiatives across engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing. Drive alignment and ensure supply continuity while managing...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$91K - $122K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Product Manager, driving the vision and execution of AI-powered platforms. Collaborate with engineers and users to transform workflows, mentor peers, and lead product s...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $140K *

Contribute to the design and implementation of advanced water treatment systems, leading multi-discipline teams and mentoring junior engineers. Drive projects from concept to completion, ensuring comp...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$82K - $220K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced photonic platforms for sensors and quantum systems. Collaborate with engineers and physicists to design, model, and characterize innovative technologies, driving...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$74K - $118K *

Transform analytical chemistry processes by supporting technical development, operating advanced instrumentation, and collaborating with teams to enhance lab capabilities and workflows in a fast-paced...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $126K *

Drive innovative biophysical assays to elucidate small molecule mechanisms. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop methods, analyze data, and support laboratory operations in a fast-paced research...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Manage complex cybersecurity verification programs across large-scale data center projects. Lead coordination among diverse teams, ensuring operational readiness and technical integration throughout c...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   11 - 15 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.