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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$110K - $130K *

Drive the execution of complex capital projects, ensuring safety, budget adherence, and regulatory compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and busi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$118K - $194K *

Lead the charge in managing coastal engineering projects that enhance sustainability and safety. Collaborate with diverse teams, engage clients, and oversee project deliverables to ensure innovative a...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

Reposted 3 days ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Transform customer experiences by providing expert technical training and support in bioprocessing. Collaborate with teams to optimize applications, drive sales opportunities, and represent the compan...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$157K - $216K *

Champion the integration of AI-assisted software engineering practices across teams, enhancing productivity and quality. Lead technical initiatives, mentor engineers, and develop reusable tools to dri...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$157K - $216K *

Elevate your career by leading the adoption of AI-assisted software engineering practices across diverse teams. Drive innovation, enhance productivity, and mentor engineers while shaping scalable solu...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $172K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in gas deposition technologies. Leverage your expertise to optimize manufacturing processes, enhance product quality, and lead initiatives that support new produc...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$121K - $166K *

Transform design operations by leading a multidisciplinary team to build scalable systems, optimize workflows, and ensure brand consistency across deliverables while mentoring designers and driving me...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$121K - $166K *

Advance our design capabilities by leading a multidisciplinary team to build scalable systems, optimize workflows, and ensure brand consistency across all deliverables while mentoring designers and dr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$91K - $209K *

Transform demand planning by leading data-driven forecasting and analysis. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance supply chain efficiency and deliver actionable insights that align with strategic b...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$91K - $209K *

Lead the charge in demand planning by leveraging data analysis and forecasting expertise to drive strategic decision-making and enhance supply chain efficiency across multiple functions and product li...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $209K *

Lead strategic demand forecasting by leveraging data analysis and cross-functional collaboration. Drive actionable insights and improve forecasting accuracy to meet customer needs and enhance supply c...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $200K *

Lead technical operations to drive innovation and excellence in manufacturing. Guide process validation and continuous improvement initiatives while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhanc...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$158K - $190K *

Transform cancer genomics by collaborating with experts to develop innovative solutions for precision medicine, focusing on liquid biopsy and solid tumor analysis to enhance patient outcomes in immuno...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $250K *

Join a team that's redefining drug development through AI. As a technical co-founder, you'll lead platform development, establish predictive research, and build a technical team, driving innovation in...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Lead the quality assurance efforts for rotorcraft maintenance, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and overseeing inspection processes to maintain airworthiness and safety across operations...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$179K - $232K *

Lead the charge in chemical manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity while developing pilot capabilities. Drive operational excellence and foster a culture of continuous im...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming biopharmaceutical research. Leverage your scientific expertise to provide technical support, manage projects, and deliver innovative solutions that enhance...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$175K - $225K *

Drive the development of innovative software systems for photonic technologies, translating complex requirements into actionable software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$72K - $125K *

Join our team to support geochemical and water quality studies, manage datasets, and conduct fieldwork. Collaborate with experts and stakeholders while mentoring junior staff to achieve multidisciplin...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$156K - $214K *

Elevate consumer safety through strategic oversight of R&D innovation, ensuring safety objectives align with product vigilance for medium to high-risk consumer healthcare products while mentoring a sk...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$350K - $500K *

Join a team that's redefining scientific benchmarks by leveraging AI tools and deep biological expertise. Build and lead a high-performing scientific team while managing complex technical projects in...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading quality assurance initiatives that ensure compliance and safety in manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and enhance custom...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$165K - $200K *

Lead the development of next-gen genetic-analysis technologies, driving innovation in automation and AI. Build a dynamic team to transform ideas into validated solutions, ensuring alignment with busin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$206K - $297K *

Drive the strategy for analytical Tech Transfer and lifecycle management, overseeing a team of 30 scientists and engineers. Ensure robust method performance and support regulatory compliance within th...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$93K - $114K *

Champion a dynamic manufacturing team, supervising operations and ensuring compliance with GMP and safety standards. Drive performance, mentor staff, and optimize production processes in a fast-paced...

Reposted 3 days 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.