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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$175K - $215K *

Develop cutting-edge quantum devices for navigation and communications. Engage in all development stages, from prototyping to deployment, while collaborating with a diverse team to tackle complex chal...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$282K - $444K *

Drive your career forward by leading clinical research for innovative Oncology medicines, overseeing study design, execution, and regulatory processes while collaborating with cross-functional teams t...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$282K - $444K *

Pioneer clinical research in Oncology, driving innovative strategies and managing trials from inception through analysis, ensuring efficacy and safety for investigational drugs while collaborating acr...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to enhance the U.S. Navy's Aegis Weapons System through agile software development, focusing on maintenance and upgrades in a collaborative environment...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$168K - $264K *

Elevate our analytical development team to drive innovative RNA-LNP therapies. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to establish cutting-edge methods and ensure compliance while fostering a dive...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$275K - $300K *

Pioneer regulatory strategies for groundbreaking clinical trials, guiding innovative treatments from concept to global submission. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to navigate complex decisions...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $95K *

Join our dynamic Molecular Profiling team to enhance high-throughput analysis using cutting-edge techniques. Collaborate with diverse scientists to drive innovative research in immunology and bioinfor...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $141K *

Engage as a Senior Archaeologist/Project Manager, leading diverse cultural resources projects across California. Drive technical excellence, manage multidisciplinary teams, and foster client relations...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$106K - $141K *

Lead the charge in advancing cultural resource projects by managing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering client relationships while mentoring staff to achieve s...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$91K - $209K *

Champion operational excellence by leading GPU Observability initiatives, driving cross-functional collaboration, and managing complex projects to enhance efficiency and deliver impactful results acro...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $224K *

Lead the charge in early-phase clinical trial execution, ensuring compliance and excellence in Immunology programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovative therapeutic development...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $224K *

Shape early-phase clinical trials by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance and excellence in execution. Drive innovative immunology programs from concept to delivery, while mentoring jun...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $224K *

Transform early clinical development by leading innovative trials and strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and excellence in execution, driving impactful results in...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $224K *

Join a team that's redefining early clinical development by leading innovative immunology trials. Drive excellence in execution, compliance, and data quality while mentoring junior staff and collabora...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $100K *

Execute mRNA production workflows, collaborating with scientists to optimize processes and maintain rigorous documentation in a fast-paced lab environment, ideal for early-career scientists eager to d...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$134K - $219K *

Collaborate across functions to establish and maintain enterprise data stewardship standards, ensuring clarity of definitions, roles, and accountability while driving consensus on shared planning conc...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$134K - $219K *

Discover a pivotal role in establishing enterprise data stewardship standards, leading cross-domain collaboration, and ensuring consistency in planning data definitions and accountability across funct...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $180K *

Elevate your career by leading clinical evaluations for medical devices. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance with EU regulations, manage project timelines, and guide teams in deliverin...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $180K *

Elevate your career by managing clinical evaluations for medical devices, ensuring compliance with EU regulations. Collaborate cross-functionally to support product development and maintain CE Marking...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$155K - $232K *

Lead dynamic multi-disciplinary teams to tackle complex data science challenges, leveraging advanced analytics and decision support to deliver impactful insights for strategic government projects acro...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving process improvements and optimizing manufacturing operations. Lead a skilled group of engineers to enhance productivity, ensure compliance, and deliver innovati...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Empower project success by managing capital projects from inception to completion. Collaborate across teams to deliver compliant, cost-effective solutions while ensuring safety and operational readine...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $190K *

Lead the charge in advancing drug development projects by ensuring high-quality planning, execution, and cross-functional collaboration. Drive strategic initiatives and manage project timelines while...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Join a team that's transforming immunology R&D through innovative data science and AI. Collaborate across functions to design impactful solutions that improve research outcomes and decision-making in...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Champion environmental excellence by leading complex assessments, managing projects, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver high-quality natural resource solutio...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

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.