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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$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

$160K - $225K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative labeling methodologies for cybersecurity detection. Collaborate with teams to transform raw network data into actionable insights, driving advancements in mach...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$185K - $225K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of innovative project management, collaborating with scientists and engineers to drive complex client engagements. Your expertise will ensure successful delivery an...

Redwood City, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$185K - $225K *

Lead the charge in managing complex client projects, collaborating with scientists and engineers to deliver innovative solutions. Your role ensures clear communication, effective organization, and suc...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$114K - $234K *

Drive innovation in AI infrastructure by designing scalable GPU systems for high-performance workloads. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance distributed systems, ensuring reliability and efficie...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$102K - $147K *

Lead strategic medical initiatives by providing expert insights to cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with clinical development and commercialization goals. Collaborate globally to maintain sc...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$60K - $100K *

Engineer automated workflows to support vaccine research, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality assay-ready materials...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $165K *

Elevate research excellence by leading in vivo pharmacology initiatives, optimizing disease models, and guiding cross-functional teams to drive impactful discoveries and enhance candidate advancement...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$165K - $355K *

Elevate the future of AI infrastructure by leading hardware engineering teams to deliver innovative, reliable solutions at scale. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to drive technical excellen...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $355K *

Lead the hardware program organization to deliver next-gen AI infrastructure solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure exceptional speed, scale, and reliability while fostering a...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $355K *

Lead the development and execution of next-gen hardware platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver AI infrastructure solutions. Drive technical excellence and foster a culture of...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $355K *

Lead the charge in shaping next-gen hardware platforms for AI infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, operational excellence, and reliability in high-performance c...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $215K *

Transform key account management by driving growth and profitability at strategic accounts. Collaborate across teams to execute account strategies, enhance customer satisfaction, and lead RFP processe...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$242K - $270K *

Drive innovative global regulatory strategies for product lifecycles, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and health authorities to navigate complex re...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$242K - $270K *

Shape the future of global regulatory strategy by leading innovative, science-driven approaches for product development and approval, while fostering collaboration across teams and building relationsh...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$244K - $336K *

Join a team that's driving impactful change in life sciences. In this pivotal role, you'll translate strategy into execution, manage complex initiatives, and enhance operational effectiveness to accel...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$102K - $209K *

Champion operational excellence by managing critical infrastructure maintenance, incident resolution, and site assessments. Collaborate with teams to enhance data center efficiency and train new membe...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by providing technical oversight and project management in environmental services. Collaborate with a dynamic team, mentor staff, and contribute to impactful projects while advanci...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing technical oversight and project management in environmental services. Leverage your expertise to mentor staff, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with reg...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $225K *

Lead the charge in developing high-speed interconnect products for data centers. Drive product strategy, manage global customer relationships, and ensure market competitiveness while collaborating wit...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.