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Principal Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Medline

Principal Scientist

Mundelein, IL

$116K - $174K/yr

Job Summary The Principal Scientist is responsible for contributing to the development and support of products and technologies within the Chemistry R&D group at Medline. The ideal candidate will ...

Medline

Principal Scientist

Mundelein, IL

$116K - $174K/yr

Job Summary The Principal Scientist is responsible for contributing to the development and support of products and technologies within the Chemistry R&D group at Medline. The ideal candidate will ...

Medline

Principal Scientist

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$116K - $174K/yr

Job Summary The Principal Scientist is responsible for contributing to the development and support of products and technologies within the Chemistry R&D group at Medline. The ideal candidate will ...

Freseniusglobal

Principal Scientist

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Conduct thorough technical evaluations and approve study reports, risk assessments, and documentation to ensure scientific integrity and compliance. Collaborate closely with analytical and ...

Fresenius Kabi

Principal Scientist

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Conduct thorough technical evaluations and approve study reports, risk assessments, and documentation to ensure scientific integrity and compliance. Collaborate closely with analytical and ...

Relativity

Principal Applied Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

... Principal Applied Scientist, Reliability, you will lead the design and validation of intelligent systems that customers can trust in highstakes legal workflows. You will operate endtoend ...

Relativity

Principal Applied Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

... Principal Applied Scientist, Reliability, you will lead the design and validation of intelligent systems that customers can trust in highstakes legal workflows. You will operate endtoend ...

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Principal Scientist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$70.6K

$148.5K

$196.4K

How much do principal scientist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal scientist in Chicago, IL is $148,467.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,100.00 and $174,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Principal Scientist?

A principal scientist takes the lead in research and development on a project. Staff researchers turn to the principal scientist for guidance and direction. As a principal scientist, your job duties include developing the research strategies to be used on the project, directing the research of staff scientists assigned to the project, and monitoring the progress of the study. The principal scientist may also be required to report progress to management and the funding organization.

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

To thrive as a Principal Scientist, you need advanced expertise in your scientific discipline, a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent), and a solid track record of research accomplishments. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and compliance with regulatory standards is typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills are essential for mentoring teams and collaborating across departments. These competencies enable Principal Scientists to drive innovation, ensure scientific rigor, and deliver impactful research outcomes.

How does a Principal Scientist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a research organization?

Principal Scientists often serve as key liaisons between research, development, and business units. They lead project teams, facilitate knowledge sharing, and ensure scientific strategies align with organizational goals. Collaboration may involve guiding junior scientists, working with regulatory affairs, and coordinating with manufacturing or quality assurance departments to translate research findings into practical applications. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as Principal Scientists must synthesize diverse perspectives to drive projects forward.

What are Principal Scientists?

Principal Scientists are senior-level research professionals who lead scientific projects and teams within organizations such as research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, or technology firms. They are responsible for designing experiments, overseeing research operations, mentoring junior scientists, and ensuring the quality and innovation of scientific output. Principal Scientists often serve as subject matter experts and play a key role in strategic decision-making, grant writing, and publishing research findings. Their work significantly influences the direction and success of scientific initiatives.

What is the difference between Principal Scientist vs Senior Scientist?

AspectPrincipal ScientistSenior Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD or equivalent), extensive research experienceMaster's or PhD, significant research background
Work EnvironmentLeads research projects, strategic planning, cross-functional collaborationConducts experiments, data analysis, supports project goals
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, tech companiesResearch labs, R&D departments in similar industries

The main difference between a Principal Scientist and a Senior Scientist lies in their level of responsibility and scope. Principal Scientists typically lead research initiatives, set strategic directions, and have more experience, while Senior Scientists focus on executing research tasks and supporting project objectives. Both roles require advanced degrees and research expertise, but Principal Scientists hold a higher leadership and strategic role within organizations.

More about Principal Scientist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Principal Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL? For Principal Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Principal Scientist jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Principal Scientist job openings:
Principal Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Scientist job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,467 per year, or $71.4 per hour.
Principal Scientist

Principal Scientist

Medline

Mundelein, IL

$116K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Medline Industries rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 244 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 511 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary

The Principal Scientist is responsible for contributing to the development and support of products and technologies within the Chemistry R&D group at Medline. The ideal candidate will greatly contribute to the R&D department with mass spectrometry skills including structural elucidation of unknown compounds for the characterization of plastic packaging systems and medical devices. The Principal Scientist is a subject matter expert in the area of structural elucidation through mass spectrometry and the utilization of pertinent instruments, such as LC-MS, GC-MS and ICP-MS.

Job Description

Responsibilities:
  • Independent, design and execute experiments using various analytical instruments such as liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
  • Is a leader for the department in the Mass Spectrometry field through innovation.
  • Uses mass spectrometry expertise for structural elucidation of unknown chemical compounds.
  • Facilitate and contribute to Operational Excellence in the Medline Chemistry Department.
  • Author of scientific documents, such as protocols, reports, and analytical methods.
  • Able to effectively communicate and present findings in a concise and organized manner in a form that is suitable for a wide-ranging audience.
  • Performs cross-functional activities to collaborate and communicate with different departments to establish requirements and timeline for project deliverables.
  • Guide and mentor Jr Chemist in the execution of experiments using LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS instrumentation and structural elucidation.
  • Performs Method Development and Method Validation activities.
  • Able to adapt to changes and has an agile mindset.
  • Demonstrates quality and detail-oriented work.
  • Excellent team player.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry with at least 10+ years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience, or Doctorate degree with 5+ years of relevant experience in the mass spectrometry field and unknown structure elucidation.
  • Required knowledge and relevant working experience (hands-on experience) with instrumental analysis including LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS.
  • Knowledgeable in structural elucidation of unknown chemical compounds through mass spectrometry.
  • Method Development and Method Validation as per FDA and ICH guidelines.
  • Good understanding of GxP practices.
  • Ability to learn quickly and to solve problems in a timely manner using critical thinking and analytical chemistry skills.
  • Able to work in a team environment and demonstrate an inclusive attitude.
  • Possess strong time management and project management skills.
  • Good ability to mentor Jr personnel.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Subject matter expert in the mass spectrometry field with strong focus on structural elucidation of unknown chemical compounds.
  • Knowledge in the E&L field for medical devices is a plus.

Medline Industries, LP, and its subsidiaries, offer a competitive total rewards package, continuing education & training, and tremendous potential with a growing worldwide organization.

The anticipated salary range for this position:

$116,000.00 - $174,000.00 Annual

The actual salary will vary based on applicant's location, education, experience, skills, and abilities. This role is bonus and/or incentive eligible. Medline will not pay less than the applicable minimum wage or salary threshold.

Our benefit package includes health insurance, life and disability, 401(k) contributions, paid time off, etc., for employees working 30 or more hours per week on average. For a more comprehensive list of our benefits please click here. For roles where employees work less than 30 hours per week, benefits include 401(k) contributions as well as access to the Employee Assistance Program, Employee Resource Groups and the Employee Service Corp.

We're dedicated to creating a Medline where everyone feels they belong and can grow their career. We strive to do this by seeking diversity in all forms, acting inclusively, and ensuring that people have tools and resources to perform at their best. Explore our Belonging pagehere.

Medline Industries, LP is an equal opportunity employer. Medline evaluates qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, neurodivergence, protected veteran status, marital or family status, caregiver responsibilities, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

What Medline Industries employees say

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About Medline

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Medline Industries, LP is the leading nationwide supplier of medical, surgical and pharmaceutical products to hospitals, nursing homes, HME providers, surgery centers, physician offices and home care/hospice settings.

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Winnetka, IL, US

Year founded

1966

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