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Principal Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ChampionX

Principal Chemist

Sugar Land, TX · On-site

The Principal Chemist will support strategic innovation projects for Chemically Enhanced Oil Recovery and Production Enhancement. The Principal Chemist will also support manufacturing and supply ...

ChampionX

Principal Chemist

Sugar Land, TX · On-site

The Principal Chemist will support strategic innovation projects for Chemically Enhanced Oil Recovery and Production Enhancement. The Principal Chemist will also support manufacturing and supply ...

LGC Group

Principal Chemist

Petaluma, CA

Principal Oligonucleotide Chemist Company: LGC Biosearch Technologies Location: 2100 South McDowell, Petaluma, CA 94952 Type: Full‑time Company Overview LGC Biosearch Technologies operates across ...

LGC Group

Principal Chemist

Petaluma, CA

Principal Oligonucleotide Chemist Company: LGC Biosearch Technologies Location: 2100 South McDowell, Petaluma, CA 94952 Type: Fulltime Company Overview LGC Biosearch Technologies operates across ...

LGC Group

Principal Chemist

Petaluma, CA · On-site

Principal Oligonucleotide Chemist Company: LGC Biosearch Technologies Location: 2100 South McDowell, Petaluma, CA 94952 Type: Full-time Company Overview LGC Biosearch Technologies operates across ...

MiniMed

Principal Chemist

Los Angeles, CA

About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated analytical chemist with strong expertise in LC-MS and GC-MS data interpretation to support chemical characterization, extractables and leachables (E&L ...

MiniMed

Principal Chemist

Northridge, CA · On-site

About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated analytical chemist with strong expertise in LC-MS and GC-MS data interpretation to support chemical characterization, extractables and leachables (E&L ...

Eli Lilly and Company

Sr. Principal Chemist

Concord, NC · On-site

Bachelor or Masters in a science or engineering discipline (Chemistry, Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, etc.) * GMP Laboratory experience including familiarity with analytical ...

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Principal Chemist information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal chemist in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a principal chemist do?

A principal chemist leads research and development efforts in chemistry, overseeing laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and developing new products or processes. They often manage teams, ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and utilize tools like laboratory instruments and software to support their work.

What is the highest paid chemist job?

The highest paid chemist roles are often in pharmaceutical research, chemical engineering, or executive positions such as Chief Chemist or Director of R&D, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. Senior-level chemists with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and management responsibilities tend to earn the highest compensation in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by Principal Chemists when overseeing multiple research projects simultaneously?

Principal Chemists often manage several complex research projects at once, which requires strong organizational and leadership skills. Balancing competing priorities, ensuring accurate data analysis, and meeting project deadlines can be challenging, especially when coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. Effective communication and delegation are key to overcoming these challenges, as is staying current with industry regulations and advancements. This role also involves mentoring junior chemists and ensuring high standards of laboratory safety and compliance.

Can you make 6 figures as a chemist?

Principal chemists and experienced professionals in the field can earn six-figure salaries, especially with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and in high-demand industries like pharmaceuticals or petrochemicals. Entry-level chemists typically earn lower salaries, but with experience and certifications, reaching a six-figure income is achievable. Salary levels vary based on location, employer, and expertise.

What is a Principal Chemist?

A Principal Chemist is a senior-level scientist who leads research and development projects in the field of chemistry. They are responsible for designing experiments, analyzing complex data, and developing new products or processes. Principal Chemists often supervise teams of chemists and technicians, provide technical expertise, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. They play a key role in driving innovation and advancing scientific knowledge within their organization.

Which chemists make the most money?

Senior chemists, such as research directors or principal chemists, tend to earn the highest salaries in the field, often due to extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized expertise. Chemists working in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or in leadership roles typically have higher compensation compared to entry-level positions. Skills in analytical techniques, project management, and industry certifications can also influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Chemist, you need advanced knowledge in chemistry, extensive laboratory experience, and typically a master's or PhD in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as HPLC, GC-MS), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and relevant regulatory standards is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set outstanding Principal Chemists apart. These skills are vital for leading research projects, ensuring accurate results, and driving innovation in a laboratory environment.

What is the difference between Principal Chemist vs Senior Chemist?

AspectPrincipal ChemistSenior Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, PhD often preferred, relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, some roles may prefer certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsResearch labs, quality control, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, chemicals, manufacturing companiesPharmaceuticals, chemicals, industrial sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for seniority and responsibilitiesOften compared to Principal Chemist for experience level

The Principal Chemist typically holds a higher level of responsibility, overseeing projects and guiding teams, while the Senior Chemist focuses on executing research and development tasks. Both roles require strong chemistry expertise, but the Principal Chemist often has more leadership duties and strategic input.

More about Principal Chemist jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Principal Chemist job openings:
What states have the most Principal Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Chemist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Chemist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Chemist jobs are:
Principal Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Chemist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Principal Chemist

ChampionX

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

ChampionX rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

SLB has an immediate need for a highly motivated Principal Chemist in our New Product Development team located in Sugar Land, Texas. The Principal Chemist will support strategic innovation projects for Chemically Enhanced Oil Recovery and Production Enhancement. The Principal Chemist will also support manufacturing and supply chain to scale up products from lab to plant. The ideal candidate is highly versatile, communicates effectively, and thrives in a collaborative environment.
If you are a passionate professional that likes to work in an autonomous, hands-on environment, we invite you to apply. This is your opportunity to join a growing company offering a competitive base salary and benefits.
What's in it For You:
  • The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth.
  • The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives and ideas to achieve our best.
  • Thrive in a company that values sustainability, drives a safety-focused culture and has been recognized as one of the most ethical companies in the world.
  • Comprehensive benefits package starting day 1 of employment- medical, dental, vision, matching 401k, and more!

What You Will Do:
  • Perform work in a safe manner while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Conduct applied scientific research aimed at solving complex problems related to Chemically Enhanced Oil Recovery.
  • Execute strategic innovation projects with possible global reach and high impact on the business.
  • Develop novel chemistries/formulations to meet customer needs
  • Develop new testing and/or dispensing methods.
  • Analyze research data and prepare detailed reports and presentations
  • Drive the continuous improvement of our business to responsibly deliver energy.
  • Communicate technical recommendations or test results to a wide range of audiences including internal and external customers
  • Work effectively in a team environment with cross-functional members.
  • Monitor and track state-of-the-art trends across assigned technical domains.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • MSc in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or related fields with more than four years of relevant work experience or PhD with less than three years of work experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or related fields.
  • Experience in organic synthesis and/or polymerization
  • Understanding of structure/properties relationship.
  • Knowledge of interfacial science (IFT, contact angle, surface tension)
  • Ability to work with business counterparts to support our customers and new technology adoption.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret incomplete information.
  • Ability to operate independently and as a part of a highly effective team.
  • Demonstrate expertise and breadth of knowledge to solve challenges where precedents typically do not exist

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience in latex polymerization reactions.
  • Experience in Enhanced Oil Recovery is a plus.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and track record of successful innovation in the form of conference papers and/or patents.
  • Product development experience with taking a product from lab scale to commercial scale.
  • Experience in formal Design of Experiments and/or Data Analytics is a plus
  • Detail orientated and excellent time management skills
  • Excellent written, oral, and visual communication skills to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, both within and outside the business

Physical Demands:
  • Role is deemed safety-sensitive and may be subject to employer or customer drug testing

About Us
ChampionX is now part of SLB, a global technology company driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. As innovators, that's been our mission for nearly a century. We are a technology company that unlocks access to energy for the benefit of all. As innovators, that's been our mission for nearly a century. Today, we face a global imperative to create a future with more energy, but less carbon. Our diverse, innovative change makers are focused on going further in innovation and inventing the new energy technologies we need to get there. For more news and information, visit SLB.com. Follow us on Facebook at @WeAreSLBGlobal, LinkedIn: SLBGlobal, or Instagram at @SLBGlobal.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We believe the best teams are diverse and inclusive, and we are on a journey to create a workplace where every employee can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of employees and applicants. We recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement on the basis of individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran.

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