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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$110K - $130K *

Lead laboratory operations to generate high-quality datasets for AI drug outcome predictions. Oversee equipment, supplies, and processes, ensuring reliability and efficiency in advanced cell biology a...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Elevate our semiconductor R&D processes by developing and improving fabrication methods, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, and ensuring project success through hands-on experimentation and...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$159K - $251K *

Advance your career by leading innovative antibody discovery workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance automation and bioassay capabilities while managing a talented group of scien...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$133K - $200K *

Champion the future of environmental consulting by leading client relationships, mentoring staff, and driving innovative practices in industrial hygiene and safety across diverse sectors in Southern C...

Today

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

$133K - $200K *

Drive innovation and growth in Environmental Services by building client relationships, mentoring staff, and managing diverse projects in industrial hygiene and safety across Southern California and n...

Today

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

$80K - $95K *

Drive the development and optimization of innovative applications using PWR technology. Collaborate across teams to enhance product performance and provide technical support to customers, ensuring eff...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$220K - $250K *

Lead the charge in nonclinical safety strategy, overseeing toxicology for innovative therapeutics. Collaborate with global CROs and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and safety, shaping program d...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $150K *

Transform project execution by overseeing modernization initiatives in explosives production. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure safety, quality, and timely deliverables while managing scope, sc...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$136K - $184K *

Analyze causal inference methods to enhance pricing strategies using ML. Collaborate with economists and engineers to develop robust causal ML pipelines and tools, ensuring rigorous methodologies are...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$129K - $207K *

Transform the future of microelectronics by leading innovative research in nanofabrication. Collaborate with a diverse team to develop cutting-edge materials and techniques, while fostering user engag...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$145K - $175K *

Lead the charge in semiconductor characterization as a Principal Engineer, driving technical direction and innovation across global manufacturing processes while mentoring teams and influencing strate...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$174K - $252K *

Engineer innovative safeguards in AI to prevent catastrophic harm. Collaborate with scientists to conduct applied research, develop production code, and ensure safety measures are effective for billio...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee process validation and support for small molecule API manufacturing, ensuring compliance and quality in collaboration with CMOs while driving continuous improvement and...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$307K - $427K *

Join a pioneering team to develop advanced AI systems, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to create innovative solutions that enhance user interactions and drive impactful results across multiple do...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate in drug discovery by building human cell models and high-content assays. Collaborate with engineers and scientists to generate datasets that enhance AI-driven predictions of drug toxicity and...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$98K - $148K *

Drive environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives at a complex defense development facility, collaborating with various teams to ensure regulatory adherence while managing waste and implem...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$210K - $260K *

Lead the charge in optimizing lab operations, ensuring scientists can focus on research. Manage procurement, inventory, and safety systems while scaling processes as the team grows. Shape the future o...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$103K - $264K *

Accelerate your career by leading technical engagements for mission-critical workloads on a secure cloud platform. Collaborate with top-tier clients to optimize storage solutions, troubleshoot complex...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Lead process improvement initiatives and support equipment onboarding in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Collaborate with teams to enhance efficiency and drive innovation while communicating insi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$140K - $220K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of analytics! Collaborate with top minds to solve complex data challenges in the credit risk space, leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver impactful soluti...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Optimize manufacturing processes by leading supplier onboarding, equipment installation, and performance testing. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs while...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in manufacturing processes. This role supports supplier onboarding, equipment upgrades, and process improvements, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency acro...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in building an AI-native insights organization, driving strategic market research initiatives for top global brands. Shape the future of research by combining expertise with innovative...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$165K - $185K *

Manage clinical trial operations for early-phase gene-editing studies, overseeing execution from start-up to close-out. Collaborate with internal teams, CROs, and vendors to ensure timelines, budgets...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$89K - $124K *

Empower manufacturing excellence by leading control systems projects, enhancing productivity, and ensuring safety. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot and innovate, driving continuous improvement i...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.