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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$105K - $114K *

Lead the charge in analytical method development for mRNA and LNP technologies, driving innovation and process understanding. Collaborate across teams to optimize product quality and mentor junior sci...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$111K - $135K *

Develop and commercialize innovative sample preparation and LC-MS/MS solutions, addressing complex biopharma challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive R&D projects and deliver impac...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead a team of scientists to innovate crop genetic engineering, enhancing major field crops through advanced technologies and methodologies. Drive research initiatives, improve operational efficiency...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading a team of scientists in advancing transgenic event generation and innovative crop genetic engineering, enhancing major field crops through cutting-edge technologies and eff...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's advancing biomaterial research for medical devices. Drive experimental trials, support GMP manufacturing, and ensure quality compliance while collaborating with cross-functional tea...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$156K - $247K *

Drive innovation in analytical methodologies for pharmaceuticals, leading cross-functional teams to develop drug products from conception to commercialization while ensuring regulatory compliance and...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$127K - $180K *

Shape the future of biologic therapeutics by developing and optimizing complex cell-based bioassays and potency assays, ensuring regulatory compliance and scientific rigor through effective collaborat...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Drive high-throughput laboratory automation for Omics data generation, focusing on molecular biology workflows and next-generation sequencing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance effici...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $145K *

Transform the future of obesity therapeutics by leading external innovation efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance preclinical assets and drive scientific excellence in obesity re...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$101K - $154K *

Pioneer innovative research and product development initiatives, leading experimental design and execution. Collaborate with team members and manage direct reports to drive results, ensuring scientifi...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$75K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to execute ligand-binding assays, ensuring high-quality bioanalytical data for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. Collaborate with scientists to manage testing priorities...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$146K - $229K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in advanced silica and polymer technologies. As a Senior R&D Scientist, you'll tackle complex challenges, influence technology strategy, and lead high-impact proj...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Transform client services by providing expert consultancy and technical governance in laboratory settings. Collaborate with regional stakeholders to enhance operational testing and drive value through...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$105K - $148K *

Elevate consumer insights by leading innovative research initiatives that drive product development and foster a consumer-centric culture within R&D. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in product lifecycle management, from research to market launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product strategies and support global marketin...

Richmond, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$136K - $170K *

Unlock potential by driving the discovery of innovative biotherapeutics through hands-on laboratory work, characterizing antibodies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance therapeuti...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$128K - $198K *

Join a team that drives the future of superconductivity by developing and implementing advanced characterization workflows. Collaborate with experts in materials science and AI to accelerate high-thro...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$83K - $116K *

Shape the future of pharmaceutical development by leading analytical projects and supervising a dedicated team. Ensure compliance with industry standards while optimizing processes and methodologies t...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Explore advanced scientific research in defense applications, applying data processing, modeling, and simulation to tackle complex challenges and enhance mission capabilities through innovative soluti...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Unlock the potential of quality control by conducting critical testing and validation. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure compliance with regulatory standards while driving continuous improveme...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$105K *

Innovate product development by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing formulations, and managing projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with business goals and customer nee...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$138K - $193K *

Drive innovative in vitro pharmacology for novel drug targets, developing assays and screening cascades while collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance small molecule programs in obesity, k...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$246K - $316K *

Take ownership of drug discovery initiatives, driving the design and optimization of small molecules. Collaborate across functions to advance innovative medicinal chemistry solutions in a dynamic, fas...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$243K - $312K *

Drive innovative drug discovery by designing and optimizing small molecules, collaborating across functions, and utilizing advanced chemistry techniques to develop life-changing medicines in a dynamic...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in enhancing product performance through innovative palatability research and collaboration, ensuring high-quality standards for pet food offerings while driving competitive solutions...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.