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.
Project Engineer/Project Manager - GFD
$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
Analytical Science and Technology Scientist - Cell and Gene Therapy
$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
$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...
2 weeks ago
Staff Scientist - Sensor Design Lead
$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
Sr. Sustainability Engineer - Radiopharmaceutical Manufacturing
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$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
Principal Applied Scientist, Mission AI Lab, AWS Region Services
$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
Director - Molecular Biomarkers
$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
Senior Operational Excellence and Digital Specialist
$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
Oligonucleotide Senior Scientist
$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
Senior Analyst (Newton, June 2027)
$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
Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer
$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
Head of Analytical Development, Pulmovant
$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...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, Application Software
$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
$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
Senior Director, Program Management, Regulatory Affairs
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Program Management, Regulatory Affairs
$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
Research Scientist, GenAI BigML, DeepMind
$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
Applied Scientist, AWS Applied AI Solutions - Life Sciences
$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
$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
Senior Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction
$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
Vice President, Global Head of AI for Drug Discovery (AIDD)
$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
Vice President, Global Head of AI for Drug Discovery (AIDD)
$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
Principle Engineer, Division EHS
$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
Engineer I, Research Operations, (1st shift)
$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
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.