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 - $140K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing regulatory CMC strategies for small molecules or biologics, ensuring compliance with global regulations while managing a team to deliver key milestones thro...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Lead innovative research in liquid chromatography, guiding a multidisciplinary team to develop next-gen analytical instruments. Drive scientific strategy, prototype development, and cross-functional c...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$165K - $200K *

Unlock your potential by leading analytical method development for complex large molecule therapeutics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish robust strategies that support product char...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$164K - $205K *

Tackle innovative therapeutic opportunities by integrating datasets and research to drive strategic decisions in immunology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance target discovery and ant...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $170K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative polymer R&D to develop next-gen electrolyte technologies. Collaborate across teams to translate scientific advancements into manufacturable applications, enhanci...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$202K - $236K *

Unlock potential by leading biomarker discovery at the intersection of genetics, multi-omics, and AI/ML. Collaborate with biologists and clinicians to translate insights into precision medicine for ca...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $118K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of high-throughput Chemistry innovation, driving hands-on experimentation and automation. Contribute to critical projects using advanced technologies to impact scie...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$92K - $172K *

Join a team that's pioneering surface chemistries for NGS applications. Collaborate with top scientists to design experiments, analyze data, and drive innovations in consumable development within a mu...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $181K *

Drive innovation in bioanalytical sciences by leading assay development and mentoring junior scientists. Collaborate across teams to assess immunogenicity of nucleic acid therapies, ensuring high-qual...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$124K - $231K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior Principal Quantitative Scientist, leading Real-World Data initiatives to drive evidence generation and influence strategic decisions in digital health and diagnostics...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$228K - $423K *

Transform aerospace innovation by designing advanced control systems for precision mechanisms. Collaborate across disciplines to develop cutting-edge guidance and navigation algorithms, ensuring optim...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$228K - $423K *

Unlock your potential in aerospace control systems design, collaborating across disciplines to innovate precision mechanisms and advanced navigation algorithms. Join a dynamic team focused on cutting...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $170K *

Transform elemental measurements into reliable, machine-readable data while collaborating with AI and software teams to enhance materials characterization and accelerate discovery in this hybrid role...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Optimize real-world performance of foundation models through targeted data generation, evaluation design, and post-training strategies. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive impactf...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Elevate biological consulting by leading field surveys, producing technical reports, and mentoring junior staff. Collaborate with project managers to ensure compliance with environmental regulations a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Execute innovative pharmaceutical formulations and research, collaborating cross-functionally to advance drug candidates through preclinical development and ensure successful clinical applications...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$85K - $117K *

Drive innovation as a Senior Polymer Scientist, leading research and development of advanced polymer materials across diverse industries while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance pro...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $185K *

Join a team that's advancing innovative in vivo cell and gene therapies for autoimmune diseases. Lead nonclinical development strategies, oversee critical studies, and collaborate cross-functionally t...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $285K *

Shape the future of clinical research by leading early-phase studies. Ensure participant safety, collaborate with diverse teams, and mentor staff while advancing medical knowledge and quality care in...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Drive chemical development activities to transition drug candidates from bench to clinic. Collaborate with CROs/CDMOs, develop scalable processes, and support early clinical trials in a dynamic, entre...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $160K *

Join us to shape the future of ocean-based CDR research by developing and applying advanced modeling systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance ocean alkalinity and drive impactful scientific...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $184K *

Advance your career by integrating digital technologies in pharmaceutical science. Collaborate with experts to develop automated lab solutions that enhance research and decision-making across diverse...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $184K *

Drive innovation by integrating digital technologies to enhance laboratory workflows, enabling seamless data ecosystems that accelerate research and improve decision-making across pharmaceutical devel...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$214K - $337K *

Shape the future of mass spectrometry and pharmacology through scientific leadership, guiding assay development, and fostering collaboration to drive impactful drug discovery across multidisciplinary...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$93K - $156K *

Drive innovative analytical strategies for pharmaceutical products, contributing to development phases and regulatory submissions while collaborating within a cross-functional team to overcome technic...

Reposted 1 week 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.