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.
Lab Manager, Robotics & Scientific Operations
$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
Scientist I - Semiconductor Process
$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
Associate Principal Scientist, Automation & Screening (Biologics Discovery)
$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
Principal Environmental Consultant
$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
Principal Environmental Consultant
$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
$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
Director / Senior Director, Toxicology
$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
Senior Technical Project Manager
$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
Research Scientist, Pricing Science
$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
Staff Scientist - Microelectronics & Nanofabrication
$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
Principal Engineer - DEMQRA DQA Central Param
$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
Research Engineer, Chemical, Biological and Nuclear AI Safety, DeepMind
$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
Senior Process Engineer, Drug Substance
$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...
3 weeks ago
Principal Research Engineer, AI Systems, DeepMind
$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
$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
Principal Environmental Engineer
$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
Research Operations Lead, Biology
$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
Lead Principal Advanced Services Engineer
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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...
Reposted today
Senior Engineer, Control Systems
$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
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.