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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$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

$80K - $100K *

Innovate with us to enhance manufacturing processes, ensuring quality and performance while implementing advanced technologies and automation solutions that drive productivity and efficiency across op...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role in prototype tooling and process development, collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance manufacturing processes for advanced products in a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Engage in the design and development of prototype tooling and processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturability and support rapid product innovation in a dynamic R&D en...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$105K - $120K *

Lead the charge in optimizing thermoplastic injection molding processes, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Collaborate on new product introductions and continuous improvements while providing techni...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and characterize cutting-edge metasurface chips, transforming designs into prototypes through hands-on nanofabrication and testing. Drive innovation in optical vector-ma...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Transform global in vitro scientific operations by leading expansive teams and driving innovation across oncology and immunology studies. Ensure operational excellence, harmonize multi-site workflows...

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Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Deliver technical leadership in designing and validating complex medical device systems. Lead cross-functional teams in user needs, architecture, risk management, and compliance while mentoring engine...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$67K - $101K *

Elevate quality assurance by managing protein-based immunoassays, troubleshooting failures, and leading cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and enhance product performance in a dynamic lab env...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$66K - $94K *

Champion strategic financial insights and guidance across business units, enhancing decision-making and project execution. Leverage advanced financial expertise to drive performance, compliance, and p...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$124K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advancing viral vector platform development, optimizing processes for groundbreaking cell therapies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and support clinical...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $187K *

Join a dynamic team to drive global regulatory strategies and submissions, ensuring compliance across regions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and health authorities to facilitate timely appro...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$67K - $173K *

Lead the charge in optimizing small molecule API manufacturing processes. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring robust technical support, equipment qualification, and continuous im...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in manufacturing high-quality pharmaceutical products while ensuring compliance with cGMP standards. Drive operational excellence through resource management, process optimization, and...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$300K - $320K *

Innovate biology software solutions for genomics and structural biology, ensuring reliability and usability for researchers. Collaborate with scientists and the community to enhance AI-driven tools th...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative protein handling and bioconjugation workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop robust protocols and drive impactful results in proteomics s...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$109K - $179K *

Drive innovative analytical methods in mass spectrometry to characterize therapeutic proteins. Collaborate across teams to support drug development, utilizing advanced LC-MS technologies for comprehen...

1 week 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.