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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1
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$66K - $171K *

Lead and manage global manufacturing capital projects, ensuring compliance, safety, and quality from design to operational verification while coordinating with diverse teams to achieve project objecti...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Contribute to the advancement of cell and gene therapy by analyzing and interpreting critical data. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure regulatory compliance and support product developm...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Empower enterprise initiatives by leading complex projects that drive strategic outcomes, enhance governance, and align cross-functional teams. Utilize your expertise to manage risks, ensure accountab...

Indiana, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$141K - $236K *

Lead innovative sensor design projects, guiding biosensor technologies from concept to commercialization while mentoring a multidisciplinary team and driving technical excellence in health monitoring...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Innovate your career with a key role supporting the global launch and technical operations of radiopharmaceuticals, driving compliance, quality initiatives, and collaboration with CDMOs while leading...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining evidence generation by ensuring data integrity and quality. Collaborate across functions to develop scalable analytic frameworks and deliver actionable insights that driv...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$198K - $269K *

Invent cutting-edge models for complex reasoning tasks in a hands-on role. Collaborate with engineers and analysts to push AI capabilities, shaping the future of national security solutions through in...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$153K - $264K *

Drive the operational excellence of a multi-capability biomarker lab, leading scientific and technical initiatives while mentoring a team. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance biomarker strategie...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Accelerate progress at our pharmaceutical manufacturing site by driving measurable improvements through the Practical Process Improvement (PPI) Business System. Engage in hands-on problem solving, pro...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Drive the development and optimization of oligonucleotide synthesis and purification processes, ensuring high-quality production and compliance while collaborating across teams to enhance manufacturin...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Transform healthcare insights into actionable strategies by synthesizing research, conducting assessments, and collaborating with teams to drive client success in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environ...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and optimization of advanced robotic and medical devices. Drive engineering initiatives, manage projects, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to innovat...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in analytical development, overseeing drug substance and product strategies. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and performance, while mentoring a high-performing analytical...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Unlock potential by leading engineering teams to develop scalable software solutions. Collaborate with leadership to shape strategies, oversee API integrations, and drive innovation in a dynamic envir...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$74K - $115K *

Empower your career with an entry-level engineering role that enhances biologics processing efficiency and innovation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support cGMP operations and drive proc...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $190K *

Transform regulatory strategies by leading cross-functional teams to ensure timely submissions and compliance for our innovative gene therapy pipeline, driving excellence in pediatric neurodegenerativ...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $210K *

Shape regulatory strategies and drive execution for gene therapy projects, ensuring timely submissions and compliance. Collaborate across teams to manage complex regulatory activities and support inno...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$207K - $300K *

Innovate and shape the future of technology by leading impactful research initiatives, collaborating across teams, and publishing findings to advance the field of computer science through cutting-edge...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $193K *

Help us revolutionize life sciences by developing AI models that enhance clinical trial operations and agentic reasoning. Collaborate with experts to create impactful solutions that transform therapeu...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$67K - $166K *

Unlock potential by leading cross-functional teams to deliver scalable AI solutions. Drive program execution from planning to deployment, ensuring alignment on goals, managing risks, and establishing...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $225K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative quantum error correction research. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop algorithms and workflows that enhance quantum technologies, translating sci...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$364K - $449K *

Innovate in AI-driven drug discovery by leading a global team to develop cutting-edge methodologies and frameworks, enhancing therapeutic design across a diverse portfolio while fostering collaboratio...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$364K - $449K *

Unlock potential by leading a global AI team to revolutionize drug discovery through innovative methodologies and strategic partnerships, driving impactful therapeutic design across a diverse portfoli...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$104K - $144K *

Unlock innovation by guiding teams in environmental, health, and safety practices throughout project lifecycles, enhancing safe and sustainable technology development with your technical expertise and...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$75K - $100K *

Engage in high-throughput laboratory workflows to support mammalian cell-based processes. Collaborate with scientists to enhance reliability and scalability while maintaining quality control in a fast...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.