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.
Senior Staff Scientist - Quantum
$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
Senior Principal Scientist, Clinical Research, Thoracic Malignancies
$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
Senior Principal Scientist, Clinical Research, Thoracic Malignancies
$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
$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
Director/Sr. Director, Analytical Development
$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
Senior Director, Regulatory Strategy Program Lead
$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
Associate Scientist, Molecular Profiling
$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
Senior Archaeologist / Project Manager
$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
Senior Archaeologist / Project Manager
$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
$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
Associate Principal Scientist, Clinical Research
$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
Associate Principal Scientist, Clinical Research
$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
Associate Principal Scientist, Clinical Research
$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
Associate Principal Scientist, Clinical Research
$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
Senior/Research Associate, mRNA Engineering
$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
Senior Manager, Enterprise Stewardship & Standards
$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
Senior Manager, Enterprise Stewardship & Standards
$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
Senior Project Manager, Clinical Evaluation
$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
Senior Project Manager, Clinical Evaluation
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Principal Scientist, R&D Data, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence - Immunology
$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
Senior Environmental Scientist
$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
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.