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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$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

$108K - $128K *

Engineer innovative solutions in pharmaceutical manufacturing, driving asset performance and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reliability and efficiency while leading con...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Join a high-impact team to advance robotic manipulation capabilities, defining the architecture and technical direction. Lead the development of sophisticated motion planning and control software for...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$112K - $140K *

Lead the planning and execution of biopharma clinical projects, managing multiple initiatives with competing timelines. Collaborate with external partners to ensure successful project delivery from co...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $200K *

Accelerate your career as a senior engineer, driving AI and data solutions for biotech and pharmaceutical labs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative integrations and mentor ju...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $165K *

Lead the future of plasmid DNA programs, ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence across complex projects, while cultivating strong client relationships and driving business growth in a...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $165K *

Lead complex plasmid DNA programs, ensuring alignment across scope, schedule, and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and cultivate strategic client relati...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $165K *

Champion the execution of complex plasmid DNA programs, ensuring alignment across commercial and operational aspects. Lead client relationships and cross-functional teams to drive project success and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $165K *

Drive strategic plasmid DNA programs, ensuring alignment across commercial, regulatory, and operational aspects. Lead cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects, cultivate client relationships...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $165K *

Drive strategic plasmid DNA programs, ensuring alignment across scope, schedule, and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver operational excellence and cultivate strong client rela...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $165K *

Unlock potential by leading complex plasmid DNA programs, ensuring alignment across commercial and technical execution. Drive strategic client relationships and operational excellence while managing m...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $165K *

Lead the charge in managing complex plasmid DNA programs, ensuring alignment across commercial and technical teams. Drive client relationships and operational excellence while supporting business grow...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $165K *

Deliver strategic leadership for complex plasmid DNA programs, ensuring alignment across commercial and operational execution. Drive client relationships and internal collaboration to achieve program...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $165K *

Lead complex plasmid DNA programs, ensuring alignment across scope, schedule, and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and cultivate strategic client relati...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $165K *

Drive strategic plasmid DNA programs by leading complex projects, ensuring alignment across teams, managing client relationships, and supporting business growth through operational excellence and gove...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$85K - $95K *

Empower drug discovery by providing expert scientific support and solutions. Collaborate with customers to analyze workflows, deliver software demonstrations, and manage projects, ensuring impactful c...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $250K *

Join a team that's redefining drug development by leading AI-driven predictions. As a hands-on technical co-founder, you'll enhance our platform, build a research program, and shape the future of ther...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's pioneering advanced polymer synthesis for semiconductor applications. Leverage your expertise in organic chemistry to develop innovative materials, collaborate cross-functionally, a...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$173K - $226K *

Lead the charge in managing complex Navy programs, ensuring successful execution of financial and contractual obligations while guiding a dedicated team in a mission-driven environment. Drive performa...

Today

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$180K - $220K *

Transform complex customer demands into actionable, multi-year programs. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and execution across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain, driving scal...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$160K - $200K *

Elevate safety standards by leading advanced fire and explosion engineering projects. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to solve complex client challenges in energy sectors, ensuring innovativ...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $134K *

Shape the future of quality control by leading laboratory teams, ensuring compliance, and driving operational excellence in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate across functions to enhance testing pr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Empower business growth by designing and optimizing application solutions, integrating AI technologies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance operat...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$172K - $223K *

Innovate solutions within the Brand Intelligence team to enhance agentic systems and their effectiveness in ad delivery. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, leveraging your expertise in ML, NLP, and...

2 days ago

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

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.