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Senior Principal Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legend Biotech USA, Inc.

Legend Biotech is seeking a Sr. Principal/Principal Scientist as part of the Research & Early Development team based in Somerset, NJ.Role OverviewLegend Biotech is seeking a highly experienced Senior ...

Halozyme

Senior Principal Scientist 1

San Diego, CA · On-site

Join us as a Senior Principal Scientist 1, and you'll join a culture embracing diversity. We approach problems with fresh perspectives, work together as a unified team, and create meaningful ...

Frontage Laboratories

Principal Scientist

Exton, PA · On-site

In vitro ADME Senior/Principal Scientist - DMPK Location: Exton, PA Department: DMPK (Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics) Employment Type: Full-Time Company Frontage Laboratories Inc. is an award ...

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Zap Energy

Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory)

Everett, WA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

About the opportunity As a Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory), you'll play a critical role in advancing our understanding of Z-pinch operation. As part of the Theory & Modeling team, you'll deploy ...

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How much do senior principal scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal scientist in the United States is $144,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior principal scientist do?

As a Senior Principal Scientist, you will often serve as a scientific leader and subject matter expert on cross-functional project teams, working closely with colleagues in research, development, regulatory, and commercial departments. Your responsibilities may include designing experiments, interpreting complex data, and providing strategic input to guide project direction. Effective collaboration and communication are key, as you will mentor junior scientists, align research goals with business objectives, and ensure scientific rigor across projects. This role often involves presenting findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, requiring the ability to translate complex science into actionable recommendations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a senior principal scientist?

To thrive as a Senior Principal Scientist, you need an advanced degree (PhD) in a relevant scientific field, extensive research experience, and a strong track record of publications and project leadership. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, mentorship, and collaboration skills help distinguish top performers in this position. These qualifications are crucial for driving scientific innovation, ensuring research quality, and leading multidisciplinary teams to achieve impactful results.

What is a senior principal scientist?

A Senior Principal Scientist is an advanced-level research professional who leads complex scientific projects and provides strategic direction within their field of expertise. They typically oversee teams of scientists, develop research programs, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge or product innovation. This role often requires extensive experience, a doctoral degree, and a proven track record of impactful research. Senior Principal Scientists also mentor junior staff and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Scientist vs Principal Scientist?

AspectSenior Principal ScientistPrincipal Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD), extensive research experience, industry certificationsMaster's or PhD, significant research background
Work EnvironmentLeading complex projects, mentoring teams, strategic planningConducting research, developing new methods, supporting project teams
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, tech companiesResearch labs, R&D departments in similar industries

Senior Principal Scientists typically hold more advanced credentials and lead strategic initiatives, mentoring teams and overseeing large projects. Principal Scientists focus on conducting research and developing innovations, often supporting senior staff. Both roles are vital in R&D, but the Senior Principal Scientist has a broader leadership and strategic scope.

More about Senior Principal Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Principal Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Principal Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Principal Scientist jobs are:
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Senior Principal Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,009 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Sr. Principal/Principal Scientist

Legend Biotech US

Somerset, NJ • On-site

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Legend Biotech is seeking a Sr. Principal/Principal Scientist as part of the Research & Early Development team based in Somerset, NJ.

Role Overview

Legend Biotech is seeking a highly experienced Senior Principal Scientist / Principal Scientist - Flow Cytometry to provide scientific leadership and hands-on expertise in flow cytometry to support cell and gene therapy programs from IND-enabling studies through early- and late-stage clinical development. This role is critical for ensuring scientific rigor, data quality, and strategic insight across in-house and outsourced flow cytometry activities, including assay development, validation, CRO oversight, and deep data interpretation to support translational, PK/PD, and regulatory decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific & Technical Leadership

  • Lead the design, development, optimization, qualification, and validation of multicolor and spectral flow cytometry assays supporting IND-enabling animal studies and clinical trials.
  • Provide subject-matter expertise in panel design, antibody and reagent qualification, gating strategies, and data analysis for complex immunophenotyping applications.
  • Conduct deep scientific review and interpretation of flow cytometry datasets to support PK/PD, mechanism-of-action, and translational insights.

CRO & Vendor Oversight

  • Serve as the primary scientific lead for external laboratories and CROs performing flow cytometry assays.
  • Oversee assay transfer, validation, execution, troubleshooting, and data delivery at CROs.
  • Ensure outsourced activities meet Legend quality standards, regulatory expectations, and program timelines.
  • Identify risks related to assay performance, data quality, and operational execution, and implement mitigation strategies.

Regulatory & Compliance

  • Author, review, and approve bioanalytical assay validation reports, study reports, and regulatory documentation.
  • Ensure flow cytometry assays and data packages are inspection-ready and compliant with GxP principles and data integrity requirements.
  • Contribute to bioanalytical sections of IND and other regulatory submissions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Clinical, Translational Research, Biomarkers, Nonclinical Safety, and Data Science teams to align assay strategy with program objectives.
  • Provide scientific input to study design, endpoint selection, and interpretation of bioanalytical results.
  • Communicate complex data clearly to multidisciplinary stakeholders.

Operational Excellence & Mentorship

  • Establish and maintain SOPs, best practices, and governance for in-house flow cytometry workflows.
  • Mentor and scientifically guide junior scientists and associates.
  • Evaluate and implement new technologies, platforms, and analytical approaches to enhance capabilities.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline with 8+ years (Principal Scientist) or 10+ years (Senior Principal Scientist) of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 12+ years of experience.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with multicolor and spectral flow cytometry platforms.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting cell therapy and/or gene therapy programs.
  • Strong understanding of bioanalytical method development, validation, and regulatory expectations.
  • Proven ability to lead complex programs, influence cross-functional teams, and provide strategic scientific direction.
  • Experience overseeing CROs and external vendors.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with CAR-T, in vivo gene delivery, or other advanced cell therapy platforms.
  • Experience contributing to IND-enabling or regulatory filings.
  • Background in translational PK/PD applications of flow cytometry. 

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