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Principal Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Houston, TX · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$175K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Pharmaron

Principal Investigator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Principal Investigator Salary Range: $200 - $285k (DOE) Location: Baltimore, MD (On-site) About Pharmaron Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) helping ...

Pharmaron

Principal Investigator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$200K - $285K/yr

Principal Investigator Salary Range: $200 - $285k (DOE) Location: Baltimore, MD (On-site) About Pharmaron Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) helping ...

Care Access

Sub-Investigator

Baltimore, MD

$46K - $46K/yr

Work closely with the Principal Investigator to oversee the execution of study protocols, delegating study related duties to site staff, as appropriate, and ensuring site compliance with study ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Houston, TX

$200K - $400K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Mesa, AZ

$175K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$175K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Houston, TX · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

Care Access

Principal Investigator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP. How You'll Make An Impact * Provide overall ...

UnitedHealth Group

Principal Investigator

Minnetonka, MN · On-site +1

$72K - $130K/yr

The Principal Investigator is responsible for identification, investigation and prevention of healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse. The Principal Investigator will utilize claims data, applicable ...

UnitedHealth Group

Principal Investigator

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$72K - $130K/yr

The Principal Investigator is responsible for identification, investigation and prevention of healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse. The Principal Investigator will utilize claims data, applicable ...

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All JobsPrincipal Investigator Jobs

Principal Investigator information

See salary details

$19.5K

$142.7K

$260.5K

How much do principal investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal investigator in the United States is $142,668.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $200,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do principal investigators earn?

Principal investigators typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on their experience, field, and location. Senior PIs with extensive research backgrounds or those working in private industry may earn higher salaries, often supplemented by grants and research funding. The role often requires advanced degrees and strong project management skills.

What are some common challenges Principal Investigators face when managing research teams?

Principal Investigators often encounter challenges related to balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on research and mentorship. Managing a diverse team with varying expertise, ensuring clear communication, and securing consistent funding can be demanding. PIs are also responsible for fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and maintaining compliance with institutional and funding agency regulations. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and adaptability.

What does a principal investigator do?

A principal investigator (PI) is the lead researcher responsible for designing, managing, and overseeing research projects, often in academic, government, or industry settings. They coordinate team members, ensure compliance with regulations, and handle funding and reporting requirements. PIs typically possess advanced degrees and strong project management skills.

What does it take to become a principal investigator?

A principal investigator typically needs a doctoral degree in a relevant field, extensive research experience, and a strong record of publications and grants. They often require leadership skills, familiarity with research methodologies, and the ability to manage projects and budgets effectively.

What Is a Principal Investigator?

A principal investigator, or PI, is the primary representative of an organization that requests a grant. As a principal investigator, you are responsible for the preparation and completion of the research or project being funded by the grant. Your primary goal is to provide sufficient justification for the proposal or grant request to the funding entities. Other job duties include developing research strategies to gather data, analyzing and writing up a summary of the results of the research, and ensuring the project complies with all applicable laws and regulations. A PI may be required to present the results of the study to faculty, peers, and grant approvers.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Principal Investigators in specialized fields such as clinical research, pharmaceuticals, or high-level scientific research can earn around $2,000 per day, especially when working on large projects or consulting roles. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong project management skills, and they may involve consulting, grants, or contract work that pays premium rates.

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

To thrive as a Principal Investigator, you need advanced expertise in a scientific discipline, a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent), and a proven research track record. Familiarity with grant management systems, laboratory management tools, and regulatory compliance certifications (like Good Clinical Practice) is typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and effective communication skills set outstanding Principal Investigators apart. These competencies are vital for designing innovative research, securing funding, leading teams, and ensuring ethical, high-impact study outcomes.

What is a Principal Investigator?

A Principal Investigator (PI) is the lead researcher responsible for the design, conduct, and management of a research project, typically within an academic or scientific setting. The PI oversees all aspects of the project, including securing funding, ensuring compliance with regulations, supervising research staff, and reporting results. They are ultimately accountable for the integrity and progress of the research, as well as the safety of any human or animal subjects involved. The PI is usually a senior scientist or faculty member with expertise in the project's subject area.

What is the difference between Principal Investigator vs Research Scientist?

AspectPrincipal InvestigatorResearch Scientist
Required credentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD or MD), research experienceMaster's or PhD, specialized research skills
Work environmentLeads research projects, manages teams, secures fundingConducts experiments, analyzes data, supports research projects
Employer and industry usageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, industry R&D labs, biotech companies

The main difference between a Principal Investigator and a Research Scientist lies in their roles and responsibilities. The Principal Investigator typically leads research projects, manages teams, and secures funding, while the Research Scientist focuses on conducting experiments and supporting research activities. Both roles require advanced research credentials, but the PI holds a leadership position overseeing the entire project.

More about Principal Investigator jobs
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Principal Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Investigator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,668 per year, or $68.6 per hour.
Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator

Care Access

Houston, TX • On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

How This Role Makes a Difference

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Investigator to join our team. As the Principal Investigator, you will be responsible for oversight of all clinical trials according to study protocols, company processes, and GCP.  

How You'll Make An Impact
  • Provide overall medical oversight and medical review of protocols in conformance with good clinical practice 
    • Review sponsor provided safety reports. 
    • Review and maintain accurate case report forms. 
  • Ensure that the safety and well-being of all participants in the study at the trial site are protected 
    • Assess subject response to therapy, evaluate and address adverse experiences
  • Perform physical assessments, examinations and study procedures as required by study protocols 
  • Train Sub-Investigators and study staff members on protocol and protocol specific procedures. Provide medical support to sub-investigators and study staff for protocol-related issues including protocol clarifications, inclusion/exclusion determinations, and issues of patient safety and/or eligibility. 
    • Review the inclusion/exclusion criteria, endpoint criteria, and investigational product use with the internal research team. 
  • Complete the necessary Care Access and protocol specific trainings
  • Comply with ICH GCP (International Conference on Harmonization - Good Clinical Practice) and all applicable regulatory requirements
  • Participate in monitoring visits and sponsor meetings; allow monitoring and auditing by sponsors and inspection by appropriate regulatory agencies  

The Expertise Required

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
  • Ability to effectively prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment 
  • Attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information. 
  • Critical thinking, dynamic problem-solving skills 
Certifications/Licenses, Education, and Experience:
  • Previous experience as a Principal Investigator is required; 2 years prior experience as a Principal Investigator or Sub-Investigator, preferred 
  • Training and certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) 
  • MD or DO with an active, unrestricted medical license (medical license must be valid in the state in which the research is conducted) 

How We Work Together

  • Location: Houston, TX. This role requires 100% of work to be performed on site.
  • Travel: This is an onsite position with less than 10% travel requirements. Occasional planned travel may be required as part of the role.  
  • Physical demands associated with this position Include: The ability to use keyboards and other computer equipment.
    • Walking - 20%
    • Standing - 20%
    • Sitting - 20%
    • Lifting - 20%
      • Up to 25 lbs
      • Over 25 lbs
      • Overhead
    • Driving - 20%
    • Exposure to blood borne pathogens - Yes

The expected salary range for this role is $200,000 - $400,000 USD per year for full time team members.

Benefits & Perks (US Full Time Employees)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Paid Holidays
  • 100% Employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance plan options
  • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Bi-weekly HSA employer contribution
  • Company paid Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan, with Company Match 

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