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Principal Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NorthEastern

Principal Research Scientist

Boston, MA

$113.87K - $165.11K/yr

Northeastern University has established a Principal Research Scientist position dealing with cutting-edge research in the theoretical and applied aspects of resilient artificial intelligence (AI)

Imperative Care

Principal R&D Technician

Campbell, CA · On-site

Principal R&D Technician Location : This position is based in our Campbell, California office. This position is full time (hourly), onsite. Why Imperative Care? Do you want to make a real impact on ...

Numerator

$117K - $160.60K/yr

The salary range for this role is $117,000 - $160,600/year + Bonus Principal Research Consultant - Brand Health Tracking As a Principal Survey Consultant on Numerator's Research team, you'll play a ...

New

Imperative Care

Principal R&D Technician

Campbell, CA · On-site

$46 - $51/hr

Principal R&D Technician Location : This position is based in our Campbell, California office. This position is full time (hourly), onsite. Why Imperative Care? Do you want to make a real impact on ...

Numerator

$117K - $160.60K/yr

The salary range for this role is $117,000 - $160,600/year + Bonus Principal Research Consultant - Brand Health Tracking As a Principal Survey Consultant on Numerator's Research team, you'll play a ...

New

Elanco

Principal Research Scientist

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

As the Principal Research Scientist for In Vitro Assay Development, you will be the 'Architect of the Lab Test' for Elanco's research portfolio. You will serve as the scientific hub for a team ...

HOERBIGER Holding AG

Principal R&D Engineer

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$106.68K - $160.02K/yr

Principal R&D Engineer Country/Region: United States Job Location: Waukegan Required Travel (%): 5 Work Model: onsite Principal R&D Engineer Your Mission As a Senior Research and Development Engineer ...

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$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal research jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal research 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Researcher, you typically need an advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in your field, extensive research experience, and a solid track record of published work. Familiarity with specialized research tools, statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), and project management systems is often expected. Excellent communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills help you drive innovation, mentor teams, and collaborate across disciplines. These competencies are crucial for guiding impactful research projects, securing funding, and maintaining leadership in your area of expertise.

What types of projects and collaborations can I expect as a Principal Researcher, and how do these shape my day-to-day work?

As a Principal Researcher, you will typically lead complex research projects that require cross-functional collaboration with product managers, engineers, designers, and sometimes external partners or academic institutions. Your day-to-day work involves designing research studies, mentoring junior researchers, and ensuring that findings are aligned with organizational goals. You may also be expected to present insights to senior leadership, contribute to strategic planning, and help set research agendas. This role offers a dynamic environment where influencing product direction and fostering innovation are key responsibilities.

What are Principal Researchers?

Principal Researchers are senior-level professionals who lead and oversee research projects within organizations, often in academic, scientific, or corporate environments. They are responsible for designing experiments, securing funding, managing research teams, and publishing findings. Principal Researchers typically have advanced degrees and significant experience in their field, allowing them to guide the strategic direction of research initiatives. Their work contributes to innovation and the advancement of knowledge in their area of expertise.

What is the difference between Principal Research vs Research Scientist?

AspectPrincipal ResearchResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD), extensive experienceMaster's or PhD, relevant research experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, strategic planning, overseeing projectsHands-on research, experimentation, data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, corporate R&D, academiaUniversities, corporate labs, government agencies

Principal Research roles typically involve leading research initiatives, managing teams, and setting strategic directions. Research Scientists focus on conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to research projects. While both roles require advanced degrees and research expertise, Principal Researchers often have more leadership responsibilities and a broader scope of work.

More about Principal Research jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Research jobs? The most popular types of Principal Research jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Research jobs are:
Principal Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.
Principal Research Scientist

Principal Research Scientist

NorthEastern

Boston, MA

$113.87K - $165.11K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity

About the Opportunity:

Northeastern University has established a Principal Research Scientist position dealing with cutting-edge research in the theoretical and applied aspects of resilient artificial intelligence (AI). The successful candidate will join Prof. Francesco Restuccia's research team (website: https://mentis.info) in Boston, Massachusetts, and work on cutting-edge topics in resilient AI, including adversarial AI and out-of-distribution detection. The successful candidate will have a strong track record in top-tier AI publications, outstanding presentation and leadership skills.

Responsibilities:

Provides scientific and technical leadership in the management, design, and conducting of the entire research program in resilient AI within Prof. Restuccia's research group. Responsibilities include designing, developing, and establishing standards for the research to be conducted on topics related to resilient AI; publishing findings; obtaining new grants; developing project budget; interviewing, hiring, and managing all professional and technical staff; and supervising students.

Qualifications:

Mandatory:

  • PhD in Computer Science or similar field;
  • At least three (3) publications as first/second author in top-tier AI venues (AAAI, ICML, ICLR, ICCV, ECCV, CVPR, WACV, NeurIPS, TNNLS);
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:

  • Proven experience in resilient AI research, including adversarial AI and out-of-distribution detection;
  • At least six (6) first/second author publications in top-tier AI venues (AAAI, ICML, ICLR, ICCV, ECCV, CVPR, WACV, NeurIPS, TNNLS) of which three (3) as first author;
  • Demonstrated proposal writing experience;
  • Demonstrated leadership skills.

Please submit through the website a (i) cover letter, (ii) a detailed curriculum vitae, (iii) three representative scientific publications, and (iv) the names and contact information of at least three references. References will only be sought for finalists. Applications submitted without this material will not be considered.

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

113S

Expected Hiring Range:

$113,865.00 - $165,105.00

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

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