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Principal Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Microsoft

Principal Research Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

Overview Microsoft Research Americas is seeking a Principal Research Engineer to help advance how foundation models are trained, adapted, evaluated, and improved. You will work with researchers and ...

Chewy

Principal Research Scientist

Woburn, MA · On-site

Your Opportunity Chewy Robotics is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to join our Physical AI team in Woburn, MA . This is a senior individual contributor role for a scientist who can define and ...

AbbVie

Principal Research Scientist II

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$141K/yr

Principal Research Scientist II: M.Sc. or Diploma (and 14+ years) or PhD degree (and 8+ years) in Parenteral manufacturing, Parenteral process development, Parenteral Process Engineering, Product ...

Yoh,-A-Day-

Principal Research Scientist

Westfield, IN · On-site

$150 - $170/hr

Yoh is hiring a Principal Research Scientist for our Biotechnology client in Indianapolis, Indiana. This role requires deep understanding of injectables (analytical, formulation, drug product process ...

Deep Genomics

Principal Research Associate

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

About the role The Principal Research Associate will join our Platform Biology team and will be a key player in driving our cutting-edge AI RNA therapeutics discovery platform. In this role, you will ...

Alpha Executive Search

Principal Scientist

Greeley, CO · On-site

Principal R&D Scientist - Sausage Confidential Food Manufacturer | Greeley, CO | Relocation Available If you have deep expertise in sausage formulation, processing, and commercialization , this is an ...

Deep Genomics

Principal Research Associate

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

About the role The Principal Research Associate will join our Platform Biology team and will be a key player in driving our cutting-edge AI RNA therapeutics discovery platform. In this role, you will ...

Deep Genomics

Principal Research Associate

Cambridge, MA

$115K - $135K/yr

About the role The Principal Research Associate will join our Platform Biology team and will be a key player in driving our cutting-edge AI RNA therapeutics discovery platform. In this role, you will ...

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Principal Research information

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$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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 is a principal researcher?

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 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 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 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.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Research jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Principal Research jobs look for?

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Principal Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Principal R&D Engineer (medical devices)

Surf search

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Global medical devices leader seeks a Principal R&D Engineer to lead exciting new cardiovascular implant research and development projects at the company's flagship site in Irvine, CA.
Job Description
The Principal R&D Engineer will:
  • Develop Class III cardiovascular implantable devices from concept through launch. These could include including catheter delivery systems, ICD, LVAD, stents, TAVR, heart valves or vascular grafts
  • Manage product development process which will include concept development, defining and generating design requirements, prototyping, and leadership of preclinical studies and clinical testing
  • Manage staff R&D engineers

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering; preferably in mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering - advanced degree preferred
  • 7+ years full life cycle experience in the development of cardiovascular implantable devices such as ICD, LVAD, TAVR, catheters, pacemakers, heart valves, stents and/or vascular grafts
  • Experience with a variety of metals typically used for cardiac implantables and delivery devices. These could include stainless steels, nickel-titanium alloys, tantalum, cobalt-chromium alloys, and platinum chromium
  • Experience with mechanical design of small parts commonly used in cardiac repair and intervention
  • Experience developing and running design verification testing for long term viability of implantable devices
  • Experience writing and delivering reports and technical summaries supporting clinical submissions as well as submissions to applicable regulatory agencies
  • A track record of technical accomplishment in developing Class III cardiovascular implantable devices
  • Strong communications skills; oral, written and electronic
  • The ability to work independently or as a lead in a cross functional environment
  • Strong technical knowledge of the cardiovascular implantable device industry landscape
  • Experience with some of the following: product design, "hands on" prototyping, DFM - design for manufacturing, new process development, tech transfer from R&D to produciton
  • Project management experience; PMP a plus
  • Strong working knowledge of SolidWorks or other applicable product development CAD software

Qualifications
Additional Information
Send Resume to paramesh at surfsearch dot org

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