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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Principal Aerospace Engineer - Autonomous System
$115K - $160K *
Transform autonomous systems development by integrating advanced technologies and optimizing performance for unmanned aerial platforms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance capabilities...
Reposted 1 week ago
Scientist, Translational Medicine
$89K - $123K *
Innovate operational delivery for early-phase clinical studies by managing vendor collaborations, ensuring compliance, and integrating protocols. Drive project management to deliver high-quality resul...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Product Manager - Compute
$92K - $209K *
Engage with stakeholders to define, prioritize, and optimize product roadmaps for cutting-edge compute technologies. Collaborate with teams to analyze market trends, customer needs, and business perfo...
Reposted today
Sr Project Manager - Environmental Solutions
$120K - $160K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of environmental solutions! As a Senior Project Manager, you'll lead diverse projects across the Southwest, ensuring compliance and quality while mentoring junior...
2 days ago
$130K - $170K *
Drive cross-functional collaboration to translate customer demands into actionable programs. Ensure clarity and alignment across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain while managing risks and d...
3 weeks ago
$96K - $148K *
Transform the chromatography marketing landscape by driving global strategies that enhance brand visibility, stimulate demand, and foster revenue growth through collaboration, innovative campaigns, an...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Guidance & Control Engineer
$100K - $275K *
Champion the development of advanced GNC algorithms, leading full lifecycle projects from design to implementation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions for complex...
2 days ago
Senior Global Marketing Manager (Antibody)
$129K - $193K *
Transform the future of transplant diagnostics by driving market growth and adoption of innovative molecular diagnostics. Collaborate cross-functionally to create compelling strategies and campaigns t...
3 weeks ago
Computational Biologist Principal Research Scientist II
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by leading AI-driven computational biology initiatives. Drive immunogenicity strategies, integrate multi-omics data, and foster cross-functional collaboration to enhance biologics...
3 weeks ago
$94K - $157K *
Contribute to groundbreaking advancements in quantum information science by leveraging your expertise in continuous-variable photonics and theoretical algorithm discovery to develop experimental proto...
3 days ago
Scientist II, Production Analytical Chemist (1st Shift)
$71K - $95K *
Elevate your career by analyzing and optimizing materials for critical semiconductor devices. Utilize your expertise in analytical chemistry while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a fast-g...
Reposted 1 month ago
Research Scientist I -The Center for Therapeutic Genetics (CTG)
$80K - $100K *
Join a dynamic team to design and execute genome editing experiments, advancing precision genetic medicine for rare diseases. Collaborate with experts to drive nonclinical development and regulatory s...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Oversee and lead complex capital projects, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency while managing resources and stakeholder communication to achieve project goals and milestones...
Reposted 1 week ago
Engineer - Drug Substance Synthetic Molecule Design and Development
$67K - $173K *
Drive the development of synthetic drug candidates through innovative process design and optimization, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance drug substance manufacturing and support clinical tri...
3 days ago
Bacterial Immunoassay Development Senior Scientist
$93K - $156K *
Lead the charge in advancing vaccine development by applying your expertise in bacterial immunology and immunoassay methodologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize assays and suppor...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Environmental Scientist - Remediation Focus
$95K - $115K *
Drive impactful environmental assessments and remediation projects, collaborating with a skilled team to ensure compliance with regulations. This role offers a blend of field and office work, with opp...
2 weeks ago
$228K - $285K *
Drive the development and validation of innovative early cancer detection IVD products, leading a team to ensure compliance with FDA regulations and delivering impactful diagnostic solutions that enha...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of pharmaceutical analytics by leading a dynamic laboratory team. Drive quality, mentor talent, and manage client projects to ensure excellence in pre-commercial a...
2 weeks ago
Principal Data Scientist, Agentic AI Technical Lead
$150K - $180K *
Champion the technical vision for a comprehensive AI program, guiding multiple teams through complex challenges. Ensure high-quality delivery, set architectural standards, and collaborate with executi...
4 weeks ago
$104K - $140K *
Lead the charge in Quality Assurance for our PeproGMP product portfolio, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement. Drive effective laboratory operations and foster collaboration across teams to...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Process Program Lead
$120K - $145K *
Contribute to a culture of excellence by leading process technology initiatives, driving team effectiveness, and fostering collaboration across engineering functions to enhance supply chain efficiency...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer - Process Program Lead
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in driving engineering excellence and innovation across North America. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance process technologies, ensuring safety and quality while foster...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer - Process Program Lead
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining engineering excellence by leading innovative process technology initiatives across North America, fostering a culture of inclusion and engagement while driving significan...
1 week ago
Senior Product Engineer, Container Services
$87K - $209K *
Unlock potential by driving product development for cloud-native services. Collaborate across teams to enhance developer tools, ensuring reliable and user-friendly solutions that meet customer needs f...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Software Engineering
$166K - $200K *
Join a team that's redefining software engineering leadership by driving innovation, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring high-quality development processes. Collaborate with diverse stakehol...
3 weeks ago
What does a Principal Scientist do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.