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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$207K - $300K *

Drive innovative solutions by leveraging machine learning and software engineering expertise. Collaborate across teams to enhance data analysis, improve user experiences, and tackle complex challenges...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Explore a leadership role in metallurgical operations, coordinating a skilled team to optimize performance, ensure safety, and drive continuous improvement while managing budgets and fostering a cultu...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$191K - $254K *

Drive innovative solutions as part of a skilled team tackling complex information science challenges. Engage with customers and prototype cutting-edge algorithms in a dynamic environment, ensuring imp...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $219K *

Partner with us to tackle complex information science challenges by leading a skilled team, developing innovative algorithms, and engaging with customers to deliver impactful solutions in a dynamic en...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $205K *

Take ownership of complex federal award programs, driving contract negotiations and ensuring flawless execution across multi-partner initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage sche...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$90K - $120K *

Lead the charge in regulatory operations, ensuring compliance with global standards and effective communication across teams. Drive submissions, audits, and risk assessments to uphold quality and regu...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$173K - $259K *

Shape your career with a pivotal role in driving technical innovation, leading cross-functional teams, and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver robust cloud solutions and data architectures that...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion the evolution of a dynamic PMO, driving strategic growth and operational excellence. Lead transformation initiatives, enhance delivery practices, and foster cross-functional collaboration to...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by synthesizing research into actionable insights, conducting assessments, and collaborating with teams to drive healthcare strategies. Engage in diverse projects while enjoying a sup...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$168K - $272K *

Pioneer strategic enterprise relationships in physical sciences, driving revenue through multi-year account strategies and executive engagement. Shape commercial strategy and negotiate large agreement...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Join a team that's pioneering data science and AI strategies in Immunology. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to enhance research execution and decision-making, driving innovative solutions th...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing laboratory operations and personnel, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while driving efficiency and quality in analytical testing. Foster team development and s...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Collaborate with a dynamic team to lead innovative research projects in AI, focusing on evaluation, simulation, and self-improvement. Shape the lab's agenda and culture while driving impactful results...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $131K *

Elevate your expertise by developing high-throughput assays for innovative oligonucleotide screenings. Execute extensive screening processes and optimize cell culture methods while thriving in a fast...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Join a dynamic team to shape the future of advanced processing solutions for mission-critical applications in defense and aerospace. Drive product lifecycles, collaborate with cross-functional teams...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$300K - $390K *

Shape the future of test automation by architecting a cutting-edge platform and guiding a skilled team. Drive quality engineering initiatives and strategic decisions to enhance CI/CD processes for AI...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Elevate revenue growth by leading plant extract commercialization strategies. Drive market identification, customer relationships, and partnerships to transform plant extracts into a profitable busine...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$95K - $115K *

Develop and optimize lentiviral vector producer cell lines, driving innovation in gene therapy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes and contribute to cutting-edge biological e...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$108K - $144K *

Champion technical leadership in paleontological resource projects, guiding teams and ensuring compliance while driving business development and client relationships across North America...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$108K - $144K *

Lead and empower a team in advancing paleontological resource services, providing technical excellence and mentorship while navigating complex environmental compliance challenges across North America...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$108K - $144K *

Champion the future of paleontological resources by leading complex projects, mentoring teams, and driving business development across North America, ensuring technical excellence and regulatory compl...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$108K - $144K *

Lead the charge in advancing paleontological resources services, providing technical excellence and project leadership while mentoring staff and supporting business development across North America in...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$108K - $144K *

Elevate your career by leading paleontological projects, mentoring teams, and driving business development. Utilize your expertise to navigate complex environmental compliance challenges across North...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$108K - $144K *

Lead and optimize paleontological resource projects, providing technical expertise, mentorship, and business development support while ensuring compliance and excellence across multidisciplinary teams...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Unlock your potential as you lead complex projects from concept to launch, driving cross-functional collaboration and innovation in product development. Leverage your expertise to navigate challenges...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

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.