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Principal Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Olsson

Principal Investigator

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$150K - $240K/yr

As the Principal Investigator you will plan, oversee, and support cultural resources investigations and overall responsibility for archaeological investigations. These investigations and coordination ...

Olsson

Principal Investigator

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$150K - $240K/yr

As the Principal Investigator you will plan, oversee, and support cultural resources investigations and overall responsibility for archaeological investigations. These investigations and coordination ...

Lonza

Principal Investigator

Tampa, FL

Job Title Principal Investigator Location Tampa, FL This role is based at our Tampa, Florida site, where you will serve as the technical and scientific lead for complex client programs, driving ...

Laboratoire Guerbet

Principal Investigator

Raleigh, IL · On-site

Principal Investigator WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR This position is an active principal level position within the QA Compliance department. The position may have direct reports and is required to work ...

Guerbet

Principal Investigator

Raleigh, IL

Principal Investigator WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR This position is an active principal level position within the QA Compliance department. The position may have direct reports and is required to work ...

Lonza

Principal Investigator

Tampa, FL · On-site

Job Title Principal Investigator Location Tampa, FL This role is based at our Tampa, Florida site, where you will serve as the technical and scientific lead for complex client programs, driving ...

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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
What cities are hiring for Principal Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Principal Investigator job openings:
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What states have the most Principal Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Investigator jobs include:
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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, Medical Director

Principal Investigator, Medical Director

Atrium

Boston, MA • Hybrid

$75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Atrium Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 607 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 872 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Client Overview
Our client is a clinical research site running clinical trials. They are looking to add a Principal Investigator, Medical Director to their team.
Salary/Hourly Rate
$75/hr+, Depending on experience
Position Overview
The Principal Investigator, Medical Director will serve as Principal Investigator on a decentralized/hybrid clinical trial at the client's site. They will oversee 3 active and enrolling clinical trials within various therapeutic areas including Cardiometabolic, Diagnostic, and Vaccines. This is a part-time, 6 - 12-month contract with the opportunity to extend. The clinic is open 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, and this person is expected to work 20 - 25 hours a week depending on when the clinical trials are scheduled.
Responsibilities Of The Principal Investigator, Medical Director
  • Serve as Principal Investigator or Sub-investigator for site-based or decentralized clinical trials.
  • The Principal Investigator, Medical Director will coordinate with the Site Director to provide training to site staff.
  • The Principal Investigator, Medical Director will monitor and study the marketplace for potential studies and respond to feasibility in a timely manner.
  • Review protocols, assess study complexity, and collaborate with trial placement and operations to determine which studies are appropriate.
Required Experience/Skills For The Principal Investigator, Medical Director
  • 1 - 3 years of experience working on clinical trials.
Preferred Experience/Skills For The Principal Investigator, Medical Director
  • Experience as a Principal Investigator.
  • Board Certified in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine.
Education Requirements
  • MD or DO is required.
  • Massachusetts license is required.
Benefits
  • Medical.
  • Dental.
  • Vision and more.

What Atrium Health employees say

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Benefits

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About Atrium Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Atrium Health is one of the nation's leading healthcare organizations, connecting patients with on-demand care, world-class specialists and the region's largest primary care network. A recognized leader in healthcare delivery, quality and innovation, our foundation rests on providing clinically excellent and compassionate care. We've been serving our community since 1940, when we opened our doors as Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Since then, our network has grown to include more than 40 hospitals and 900 care locations ranging from doctors' offices to behavioral health centers to nursing homes. Our focus: Delivering the highest quality patient care, supporting medical research and education, and joining with partners outside our walls to keep our community healthy.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1940

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