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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$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

$95K - $115K *

Lead complex, customer-facing technology projects in life sciences. Drive project success by managing scope, timelines, and cross-functional teams in a dynamic, collaborative environment...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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

$108K - $170K *

Champion the design and fabrication of prototype devices to assess novel materials. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop processes that drive innovative material discovery with high ef...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Drive engineering excellence by managing complex customer-facing programs, overseeing new product introductions, and ensuring alignment with quality standards and business objectives. Lead and mentor...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$145K - $170K *

Shape the future of thermal sciences by applying engineering principles to real-world challenges in failure analysis, combustion, and risk mitigation. Collaborate with diverse teams to conduct experim...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$198K - $298K *

Drive innovation and system architecture in genetic sciences, integrating automation, AI, and multidisciplinary workflows to enhance laboratory capabilities and customer experiences across platforms...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$180K - $240K *

Lead the vision and strategy for core money movement products, driving automation and efficiency. Collaborate with customers and engineering to enhance financial operations and deliver measurable resu...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $245K *

Transform supply chain risk management by assessing and mitigating vulnerabilities in defense programs, ensuring compliance with federal standards while collaborating across teams to enhance operation...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $245K *

Lead the assessment and management of supply chain risks in defense programs, ensuring compliance with NIST standards and enhancing supplier security practices. Collaborate across teams to drive impro...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $245K *

Advance supply chain risk management by assessing DIB suppliers, ensuring compliance with NIST standards, and mitigating risks across defense programs. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance proces...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $245K *

Shape the future of defense supply chains by assessing risks and implementing robust management strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security practices and ensure compliance...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $245K *

Drive supply chain risk management initiatives by assessing and mitigating risks in defense programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance compliance and security practices across comple...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $140K *

Support innovative research projects in advanced sciences, managing diverse teams and ensuring project success through effective planning, monitoring, and reporting on technical and programmatic requi...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $172K *

Champion the growth of the BioPDO product line by driving new business development, expanding market reach, and managing strategic accounts in the Home Care and Industrial markets across North America...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$103K - $162K *

Lead the charge in developing and qualifying high-throughput analytical methods for synthetic molecules, ensuring seamless method transfer and compliance while collaborating with cross-functional team...

3 weeks 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.