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 *

Grow your career with a dynamic leadership role overseeing sales strategies and team development in the Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry sectors, driving revenue growth and customer satisfaction thr...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $176K *

Shape the future of drug discovery by transforming complex biological data into actionable insights. Collaborate with experts to tackle critical scientific questions and drive impactful research acros...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $176K *

Lead transformative analyses that bridge biology and data science, driving impactful insights for drug discovery and development. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle critical scientific...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $176K *

Join a dynamic team to leverage computational biology and AI in transforming complex data into actionable insights that drive drug discovery and development, enhancing patient outcomes globally...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $176K *

Join a dynamic team to transform complex biological data into actionable insights, driving impactful decisions in drug discovery and development. Collaborate with experts to tackle critical scientific...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $176K *

Unlock potential by transforming complex biological data into actionable insights, driving impactful decisions in drug discovery and development. Collaborate with experts to tackle critical scientific...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$122K - $206K *

Shape process engineering solutions across diverse energy projects, ensuring compliance and quality while supporting all project phases from concept to commissioning. Contribute to innovative designs...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$145K - $175K *

Transform your career by leading cross-functional teams to drive drug development strategies. Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure successful execution of integrated plans, manage risks, and de...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$275K - $345K *

Elevate clinical pharmacology strategy across oncology trials, leading cross-functional teams to optimize dose selection, regulatory submissions, and DMPK oversight while building a high-performing in...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing and optimizing analytical methods to support innovative research and customer projects, ensuring high-quality data and safety in a collaborative laboratory e...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $220K *

Grow your career with a principal-level data scientist role, owning the end-to-end data function. Drive measurement strategies, experimentation, and analytics to enhance product impact and customer su...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Shape the future of RF technology by designing complex circuits, prototyping innovative products, and collaborating with cross-discipline teams to enhance performance and drive successful market relea...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Drive global product marketing strategies to enhance sales and customer engagement. Collaborate cross-functionally to align market activities with business goals, leveraging insights to shape product...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $235K *

Lead the charge in designing and deploying AI-powered software solutions, transforming emerging technologies into reliable products while mentoring engineers and setting high engineering standards for...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $200K *

Oversee the full lifecycle of industrial capital projects, ensuring safety, quality, and budget adherence. Lead cross-functional teams and manage project controls while driving successful outcomes for...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $155K *

Join a dynamic team to lead the design and scaling of innovative electrochemical reactors, driving advancements in water treatment technology from concept to commercial deployment while collaborating...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$195K - $215K *

Transform the software landscape by driving strategy and execution for a dynamic product portfolio, collaborating across teams to enhance customer solutions and optimize market performance...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$145K - $220K *

Unlock potential by conducting innovative research in quantum computing applications, developing algorithms and circuit implementations, and collaborating with experts to solve significant scientific...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$114K - $281K *

Unlock potential by leading human-centered designs in nuclear energy and safety-critical industries. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance systems through innovative human factors resear...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Tackle customer complaints and drive quality improvements in oligonucleotide products. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance and enhance customer satisfaction through effective investiga...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$146K - $306K *

Lead the architecture and development of distributed services for AI infrastructure, tackling complex challenges in network modeling and control. Influence technical direction and mentor engineers whi...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$109K - $153K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical research by managing Analytical R&D efforts, guiding scientists in method development, and ensuring regulatory compliance to foster innovation...

Etobicoke, ONIn-Person

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$132K - $166K *

Drive launch excellence by coordinating cross-functional teams to enhance product readiness and execution. Champion best practices and ensure alignment with business objectives while managing risks an...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Drive the integration and testing of unmanned surface vessel systems, managing budgets, schedules, and cross-functional teams. Ensure mission package readiness and customer satisfaction through hands...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join us to design and implement innovative ML applications that automate complex workflows. Collaborate with experts to enhance user experience, integrate tools, and ensure robust performance while sh...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.