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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$90K - $209K *

Help us shape OCI's capital investment strategy by evaluating and financing large-scale infrastructure projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic decisions and enhance our gl...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$106K - $176K *

Unlock transformative AI solutions by leading the design and deployment of innovative systems that enhance scientific discovery. Collaborate with experts to redefine workflows and drive impactful outc...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$78K - $125K *

Champion process improvement and ensure safety and quality in chemical manufacturing. Lead technical support, optimize operations, and manage projects to enhance productivity and compliance in a dynam...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$106K - $176K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and delivery of AI systems that transform scientific discovery. Collaborate with experts to build scalable solutions, driving innovation and operational excellen...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $176K *

Join us to build innovative AI systems that transform scientific discovery. Lead end-to-end technical delivery, collaborate with experts, and drive impactful solutions in a dynamic environment where A...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to transforming customer challenges into innovative solutions. As a Field Application Scientist, you'll engage with clients, deliver training, and optimize automation prot...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Transform customer experiences by delivering expert training and support for liquid handling solutions. Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to optimize automation protocols and drive innovation...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $220K *

Oversee a specialized team to ensure AI safety in biological research, addressing dual-use risks and providing expert guidance on complex cases while mentoring junior specialists and advising clients...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $190K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing enterprise AI architecture strategy, ensuring scalable, ethical AI integration across platforms. Drive innovation through Generative and Agentic AI, aligning...

Florida, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Innovate with us to enhance HVAC/R systems through expert analysis and risk engineering. Leverage your extensive experience to develop standards, guide loss prevention, and foster industry relationshi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$174K - $252K *

Empower innovation by leading collaborative research initiatives, driving impactful AI solutions, and fostering partnerships with external labs to advance technology and address global challenges...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $225K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of advanced manufacturing by leading complex programs and client relationships. Drive strategic initiatives across semiconductor and data center projects while en...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$185K - $225K *

Lead the charge in managing complex programs for Advanced Manufacturing clients, overseeing interconnected projects across semiconductor and data center environments while driving client relationships...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$185K - $225K *

Drive complex programs in Advanced Manufacturing, overseeing interconnected projects across semiconductor and data center environments. Lead multidisciplinary teams, manage client relationships, and e...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative mammalian cell engineering projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design and evaluate next-gen delivery vectors and genetic payloads, enhancing therapeutic...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$152K - $205K *

Unlock potential by leading product development for cloud computing services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define features, engage customers, and drive adoption, all while ensuring a cus...

1 week ago

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

$88K - $105K *

Elevate your career by managing R&D projects from concept to market. Lead cross-functional teams, drive innovation, and ensure project success through effective communication and strategic planning. J...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $134K *

Drive the development and optimization of automated assay protocols, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance scientific instrumentation and ensure rigorous testing and validation processe...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$154K - $242K *

Lead strategic initiatives in drug product development, ensuring compliance and operational excellence. Drive cross-functional collaboration to enhance patient outcomes and business performance while...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$137K - $189K *

Drive innovation in software engineering by applying AI-assisted practices and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity, quality, and integration of agentic capabilities throu...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$137K - $189K *

Optimize software delivery by applying AI-assisted engineering practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity and quality, while mentoring peers in agentic workflows and in...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Champion advanced polymer characterization techniques to drive product innovation, enhance manufacturing performance, and solve complex technical challenges. Collaborate cross-functionally to translat...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by leading technology transfer activities for injectable products. Drive process development, support client interactions, and ensure successful scale-up in a dynamic laboratory envir...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$111K - $146K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Biologist/Project Manager, leading biological resource projects across Southern California. Leverage your expertise in CEQA compliance and MSHCPs to drive impactful env...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$111K - $146K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Biologist/Project Manager, overseeing biological resources projects in Southern California. Leverage your expertise in CEQA compliance and MSHCPs while managing client...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.