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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$109K - $150K *

Lead and optimize operations at a medical device manufacturing site, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance. Collaborate cross-functionally to achieve production goals while fostering a culture of c...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $265K *

Unlock insights into AI trends by conducting rigorous research and publishing impactful findings. Collaborate with leaders in media and academia to shape industry standards and enhance understanding o...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's committed to operational excellence and innovation in metallurgical processes, enhancing copper production through analytics and continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate acro...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $120K *

Advance drug substance manufacturing by supporting purification processes, analyzing data, and collaborating across teams. Drive process improvements and technology transfers while ensuring compliance...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $120K *

Engage in cutting-edge purification processes, supporting downstream operations and technology transfer. Collaborate across teams to enhance drug substance manufacturing and drive process improvements...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$129K - $211K *

Champion innovation in analytical chemistry, driving pharmaceutical advancements through hands-on laboratory work. Collaborate with a diverse team to develop cutting-edge methodologies that enhance dr...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$365K - $435K *

Lead the charge in bridging research and the scientific community, driving impactful programs that enhance AI capabilities for researchers. Collaborate with diverse teams to shape strategies and foste...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$365K - $435K *

Join a dynamic team to bridge researchers and AI capabilities, driving impactful science programs and shaping external engagement strategies. Leverage your research expertise to enhance collaboration...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $106K *

Join us to define and optimize advanced optical fabrication processes while partnering across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to drive improvements in yield, stability, and efficiency in...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$156K - $200K *

Drive clinical and scientific integrity in oncology trials, collaborating across teams to ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and high-quality data analysis for impactful therapeutic...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $100K *

Elevate manufacturing efficiency by applying engineering principles and lean methodologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance process reliability and reduce variability in the product...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$80K - $90K *

Empower operational excellence by leading a dynamic team in a laboratory setting. Drive performance, ensure compliance, and foster continuous improvement to meet client expectations and enhance depart...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of complex clinical trials by managing project teams, timelines, and budgets across various phases of drug development while ensuring stakeholder satisfaction and regulatory compliance...

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Transform project execution by leveraging your engineering expertise to oversee major capital construction initiatives, ensuring technical quality and compliance throughout all phases from planning to...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring the technical quality and execution of major capital construction projects, providing oversight and support throughout all phases, including planning, design...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$222K - $278K *

Shape the future of competitive intelligence by developing insights that drive commercial success for innovative therapies. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance market research capabilities and e...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$92K - $115K *

Lead and develop a microbiology team, ensuring compliance and quality in testing activities. Drive continuous improvement initiatives while serving as a subject matter expert during inspections and au...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $154K *

Elevate your career by solving complex electrical engineering challenges. Collaborate with a dynamic team on diverse projects in power systems, renewable energy, and consumer products, while shaping y...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $196K *

Analyze and lead statistical design across the product lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams to define objectives and strategies. Drive evidence generation from diverse datasets while e...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $98K *

Partner with us to drive impactful federal proposals, managing the lifecycle from analysis to submission. Collaborate with diverse teams to create compliant, compelling proposals that align with strat...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Empower a dynamic R&D team by overseeing project execution, mentoring associates, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. Drive innovation in assay development while fostering collaboration ac...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Champion the management of complex nuclear decontamination projects, leading a multi-disciplinary team to ensure compliance with contract terms, optimize performance, and achieve project objectives th...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $196K *

Unlock potential by leading statistical design and analysis throughout the product lifecycle. Collaborate cross-functionally to define objectives and strategies, ensuring scientific integrity and effe...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $196K *

Unlock the potential of data by leading statistical design and analysis across the product lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive evidence generation and ensure scientific integri...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Elevate your career by leading the design and development of complex mechanical systems. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to tackle challenges, using your expertise in advanced technologies a...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.