Modeled career paths · Research science

Where does a Principal Scientist go next?

What employers are asking a Principal Scientist for, what they pay, and where people go next. From live postings and Startline’s modeled career map: what the ads say, never estimated.

Typical advancement
Director of Research+34% typical comp change · ~3.0y typical
72% of modeled moves out of Principal Scientist go here
progression88% of modeled exits move upward from there
Specialist path
VP Research & Development+92% typical comp change · ~3.0y typical
24% of modeled moves out of Principal Scientist go here
executive stepno modeled onward moves above the evidence floor
Director of PMO+21% typical comp change · ~7.0y typical
reachable via Director of Research. 3% joint modeled share
progression0% of modeled exits move upward from there
Higher-growth opportunity
Director of Biology+54% typical comp change · ~7.0y typical
reachable via Director of Research. 3% joint modeled share
progression64% of modeled exits move upward from there
Director of Clinical Operations+41% typical comp change · ~7.0y typical
reachable via Director of Research. 3% joint modeled share
progression84% of modeled exits move upward from there
Observatory Director+34% typical comp change · ~7.0y typical
reachable via Senior Research Astronomer. 2% joint modeled share
progression0% of modeled exits move upward from there
Adjacent career
Senior Research Astronomer+0% typical comp change · ~4.0y typical
2% of modeled moves out of Principal Scientist go here
lateral95% of modeled exits move upward from there
General Surgeon+160% typical comp change · ~4.0y typical
2% of modeled moves out of Principal Scientist go here
lateral96% of modeled exits move upward from there

What this page cannot know is which of these fit you. That is what the free list is for.