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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$219K - $274K *

Lead the development of innovative cloud infrastructure solutions, mentoring engineers and guiding technical decisions. Own the architecture of pivotal projects while collaborating with cross-function...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$66K - $171K *

Join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team to advance RNA-based therapies, driving innovation through oligonucleotide synthesis and analytical collaboration while supporting the development of groundbreak...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$138K - $165K *

Innovate the future of cloud infrastructure by leading critical platform services. Drive architecture, enhance operational excellence, and mentor engineers while tackling complex challenges in distrib...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$114K - $228K *

Engage in leading real-world evidence studies, collaborating across teams to drive insights and strategies that support regulatory and market needs for Abbott's Vascular portfolio, utilizing advanced...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $125K *

Champion quality excellence in materials engineering by leading supplier development and performance improvement initiatives for polyurethane foams. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure robust qua...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's pioneering innovative chemical solutions. As an R&D Chemist, you'll leverage your expertise to develop new materials and technologies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to d...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$240K - $281K *

Lead the charge in building an in-house in vitro toxicology capability, establishing assays and infrastructure to identify safety liabilities early in drug discovery. Collaborate closely with cross-fu...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by supporting reliable operations of industrial electrical equipment. Collaborate with teams to enhance plant reliability, provide technical assistance, and ensure compliance with...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Transform operations by providing technical expertise in high voltage electrical systems, ensuring reliability and safety across facilities. Collaborate with teams to enhance maintenance strategies an...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the execution of capital projects across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, and operational goals. Drive collaboration among teams to deliver projects on time...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $96K *

Drive exceptional client experiences by managing analytical projects, ensuring efficient workflows, and fostering strong relationships. Collaborate with teams to anticipate needs and support business...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $157K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of clinical automation, designing and developing scalable systems that integrate biology and technology to enhance clinical assays and improve patient care...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Champion quality excellence by leading assurance and control initiatives, driving continuous improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and compliance wi...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Engineer advanced AI solutions by leveraging data analytics to drive business insights, enhance customer satisfaction, and optimize operational efficiency across various functions, ensuring scalable a...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Transform the future of engine oil technology by leveraging advanced analytics and AI. Collaborate with global experts to develop predictive models, influence industry standards, and drive impactful i...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$117K - $201K *

Join a team that develops AI-enabled scientific data products, shaping data strategies for drug discovery and patient safety. You'll design scalable integration frameworks, enhance data architectures...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of scientific data engineering, combining expertise in AI and data architecture to design interoperable, AI-ready data solutions that drive drug discovery and deve...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Lead the development of innovative scientific data products to enhance AI-driven drug discovery efforts, ensuring effective integration across diverse data domains to support patient safety and transl...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Shape the future of drug discovery by leading the design and implementation of AI-ready scientific data products that enhance drug development and patient safety through innovative data architectures...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Drive the evolution of AI-ready scientific data products that integrate and enhance the drug discovery and development lifecycle, fostering collaboration between multiple scientific domains and ensuri...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Advance project execution by coordinating firmware integration efforts, managing schedules, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration to ensure timely product development and operational efficie...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $130K *

Empower project success by leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality results. Manage timelines, scope, and stakeholder communication while ensuring alignment and addressing risks across m...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Lead project teams in executing capital projects, ensuring safety, quality, and budget adherence throughout the project lifecycle. Collaborate with stakeholders to achieve project goals and manage ris...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$142K - $274K *

Deliver cutting-edge algorithmic solutions for ad performance optimization, enhancing the user and advertiser experience across real-time auctions through innovative modeling and strategic experimenta...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $274K *

Champion algorithmic advancements by leveraging machine learning and optimization techniques to enhance ad auction systems, drive advertiser ROI, and boost overall platform health, impacting billions...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.