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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$116K - $159K *

Champion quality excellence by leading product evaluation and control initiatives. Collaborate with teams to enhance quality systems, ensuring compliance and efficiency in manufacturing processes whil...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Engineer innovative chemical processes and optimize existing routes for key intermediates and APIs. Collaborate with teams to conduct multistep syntheses, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance whi...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $170K *

Unlock potential by leading product strategy for innovative single-use mixing solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive new product introductions, optimize revenue, and enhance customer satis...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$204K - $270K *

Drive innovation by architecting advanced laboratory automation platforms, integrating AI and robotics for seamless scientific discovery at scale. Lead a team, establishing best practices for system d...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $190K *

Champion global regulatory compliance initiatives, leading a team to ensure market access and adherence to international standards. Drive strategic compliance processes, enhance organizational capabil...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Champion quality assurance excellence by leading a dedicated team in clinical packaging operations. Collaborate with cross-functional groups to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement in a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Join a pioneering team to advance AI research in molecular modeling. Shape the future of therapeutic engineering by leveraging cutting-edge techniques and collaborating with experts to enhance model a...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$141K - $236K *

Drive innovation in membrane material design for next-gen biosensors, collaborating cross-functionally to meet technical and business objectives while managing project timelines and risks to deliver i...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$106K - $149K *

Manage cross-functional teams to drive project success, enhance client relationships, and ensure operational excellence. Lead business growth initiatives while fostering talent development and maintai...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$106K - $149K *

Shape the future of life sciences by leading teams to deliver high-quality projects, drive business growth, and foster talent development while ensuring operational excellence and client satisfaction...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $170K *

Transform the content platform by leading hands-on engineering initiatives. Design and implement shared services, ensuring security and stability while mentoring engineers and driving technical excell...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$180K - $200K *

Lead the charge in driving complex, cross-functional transformation initiatives that align strategic priorities with measurable business outcomes, collaborating with senior leaders to enhance executio...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Drive impactful gene editing projects by leading client programs and cross-functional teams from initiation to closure, ensuring alignment on scope, timelines, and deliverables while managing risks an...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$145K - $155K *

Design and enhance complex electrical systems, leading projects to meet performance goals. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, applying advanced engineering practices to solve high-complexity pro...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $155K *

Innovate within a dynamic team to design and enhance complex electrical systems. Lead projects that drive product performance and business goals while applying advanced engineering practices in a hybr...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in overseeing strategic programs across the product life cycle, ensuring on-time delivery and exceptional customer experience through collaboration and creative problem-solving...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$158K - $197K *

Transform real-world health data into actionable insights by leveraging advanced bioinformatics and AI techniques. Lead innovative analyses in oncology and genomics, facilitating cross-functional coll...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $100K *

Lead product development from formulation to commercialization, ensuring safety and quality. Collaborate with customers and manufacturing teams to deliver innovative food solutions while managing mult...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$122K - $163K *

Optimize clinical data management processes by leading end-to-end activities for trials. Ensure high-quality data deliverables, effective planning, and risk management while mentoring teams and drivin...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$400K - $500K *

Innovate and drive the development of an AI-driven software platform that transforms scientific workflows. Lead cross-functional teams to build impactful solutions and enhance user accessibility in a...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $200K *

Transform AI-assisted engineering practices by defining best practices, influencing product architecture, and enhancing workflows for physicists and engineers. Collaborate on cutting-edge projects in...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $264K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of biologics drug substance manufacturing, providing technical support and driving innovation in downstream purification while enhancing efficiency and quality thr...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$66K - $171K *

Join a dynamic team to lead in vivo studies on age-related musculoskeletal decline, focusing on bone health. Contribute to innovative research that advances therapeutic candidates and enhances underst...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$146K - $271K *

Engineer innovative mechanical solutions for rugged military systems, leading cross-functional teams in design, analysis, and production. Drive project success through collaboration, technical experti...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $115K *

Take ownership of petrographic examinations and analyses for construction materials, ensuring quality and compliance through advanced techniques. Collaborate in a dynamic team environment and contribu...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.