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Principal research scientist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted experts
Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.,
Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical principal research scientist skills. We ranked the top skills for principal research scientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 6.6% of principal research scientist resumes contained research projects as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a principal research scientist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 principal research scientist skills for your resume and career

1. Research Projects

Here's how principal research scientists use research projects:
  • Conducted independent research projects in neural network and artificial intelligence applications.
  • Direct and motivate scientists to accomplish research projects efficiently.

2. Principal Research

Here's how principal research scientists use principal research:
  • Performed the principal research and analysis required to add new sensor readout types and materials.
  • Promoted from Principal Research Scientist I to III in five years.

3. Data Analysis

Here's how principal research scientists use data analysis:
  • Performed stability data analysis and provided shelf life recommendations.
  • Developed a statistical data analysis algorithm.

4. Project Management

Here's how principal research scientists use project management:
  • Involved in a multifaceted project that involved coordinating technical and project management expertise overseas Accomplishments.
  • Selected to participate in the Wyeth Middle Management program and received various training on leadership and project management.

5. Drug Discovery

Drug Discovery, in the scientific fields of medicine and pharmacology, refers to the exploration and discovery of new and effective medicinal substances and compounds, most usually through years of dedicated research and a large number of studies, conducted tests, and revisions.

Here's how principal research scientists use drug discovery:
  • Assisted with technologies and activities associated with Drug Discovery and Development from target identification through phase II clinical trials.
  • Identified and validated drug discovery targets.

6. Clinical Trials

Here's how principal research scientists use clinical trials:
  • Designed and interpreted results from general toxicology, safety pharmacology, and genetic toxicology studies in support of clinical trials.
  • Designed a clinical trial for the verification of new algorithms used in the monitoring of oxygen dynamics.

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7. Clinical Development

Here's how principal research scientists use clinical development:
  • Invented HTI-042, which was selected and approved for clinical development.
  • Project A Deliverables: Delivered to clinical development a small molecule candidate for a novel GPCR target of depression indication.

8. Product Development

Product development is the complete procedure of creating a product from concept until release of the final product. Product development has many stages after which a product is released into the market. Identifying the need, creating the opportunity, conceptualizing a product, and providing a solution, all are different stages of product development.

Here's how principal research scientists use product development:
  • Evaluated and reviewed internal / external technologies and proposals for future drug-device product development.
  • Managed and coordinated applied research and product development initiatives from conception through commercialization.

9. R

R is a free software environment and a language used by programmers for statistical computing. The R programming language is famously used for data analysis by data scientists.

Here's how principal research scientists use r:
  • Use of R and SAS for analysis of large data sets.
  • Presented Posters in BMSRIAC and R and D Symposiums.

10. Biomarkers

Biomarkers, also known as biological markers, are measurable characteristics of a body that tells or describes one's condition. They play a significant role in the medical field as they can help physicians diagnose and treat different kinds of medical issues and concerns. Biomarkers may also be associated with blood pressure, cholesterol levels, x-rays, scan results, blood and urine tests, and body mass index.

Here's how principal research scientists use biomarkers:
  • Identified novel candidate biomarkers of target coverage and patient stratification to inform future clinical strategy.
  • Identified biomarkers for patients stratification.

11. Visualization

Here's how principal research scientists use visualization:
  • Developed and integrated a successful strategy for inclusion of IMETS data into battlefield visualization product.
  • Trained over 200 US military and DoD intelligence analysts on use and maintenance of information visualization systems.

12. Statistical Analysis

Here's how principal research scientists use statistical analysis:
  • Co-developed a published method for statistical analysis of process characterization data and determination of validation acceptance criteria based on tolerance intervals.
  • Characterized commercial blood DNA extraction protocols, assay component performance and manufacturing process variation using DOE methodology and statistical analysis.

13. Early Development

Here's how principal research scientists use early development:
  • Designed and implemented pre-clinical proof of concept studies, driving advancement of lead molecules into early development.
  • Harmonized early development activities across global sites.

14. Regulatory Submissions

Regulatory Submissions offers a readable and clearly written road map for effective submission of documents for required regulatory reviews during product development.

Here's how principal research scientists use regulatory submissions:
  • Support internal regulatory groups in writing CMC sections of regulatory submissions.
  • Prepared documents for internal milestone declaration and regulatory submission in US, EU, and Japan.

15. Clinical Studies

Here's how principal research scientists use clinical studies:
  • Managed design and implementation of preclinical studies to validate disease-specific targets.
  • Led staff scientists to design stable formulations for various vaccine candidates to support pre-clinical studies in primate and rodent species.
top-skills

What skills help Principal Research Scientists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on principal research scientist resumes?

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree Engineering, Meredith College

When I help students revise their resumes, I have them focus on transferable skills that they gained through their experiences. It may not necessarily be what students do that is important to companies, but their learned experience that students can take and apply in their new job. Students need to add a metric to their descriptions and how they have made an impact on a project, a job position, an organization, etc.

What hard/technical skills are most important for principal research scientists?

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree Engineering, Meredith College

This one is tough because it depends on the position! I think what is valuable for a chemist is being knowledgeable of working with instrumentation such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. Employees that are likely more attractive for a job position than another person have had the independent experience of working with instruments and can troubleshoot problems. Employees need to be able to explain the data that they obtained from an experiment and describe what the data mean. (Data is a plural term!) Problem-solving and critical thinking is very important for scientists.

What soft skills should all principal research scientists possess?

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree Engineering, Meredith College

From what I've heard (from employers), companies look for employees that they can work with. I know that sounds silly, but companies want employees that are team players and work well with other individuals and in groups. These employees also need to work independently when asked to work on a project. They need to be organized, reliable, and trustworthy. Employees also need to be able to communicate well by writing and speaking. They must be able to follow directions.

What principal research scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Nicole Browning Ph.D.Nicole Browning Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor of Biology, Biology Coordinator, Brenau University

A gap year should be filled with efforts to gain hands-on experience in the specific job field the candidate is hoping to enter. This may include volunteer work, internships, shadowing, or research work. A great place to look for these opportunities is with faculty at your alma mater. Faculty are often looking for cheap (or free) labor from graduates in the form of TAs, research assistants, lab assistants, and so on. This can provide invaluable experience, make you more competitive in the job market, and allow the graduate with real-world experience to ensure this is the position (or not).

What type of skills will young principal research scientists need?

Dr. Douglas Capone Ph.D.Dr. Douglas Capone Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor, University of Southern California

In addition to the essential skill set of an oceanographic discipline (biological, chemical, physical or geological fields) - being adaptable, having a breadth of knowledge and ability to cross disciplinary boundaries and communication skills e.g., the ability to talk to regulators, policymakers, and the general public will all help.

What technical skills for a principal research scientist stand out to employers?

Dr. Bobby BurkesDr. Bobby Burkes LinkedIn profile

Interim Department Head/Professor, Grambling State University

Technical skills in addition to having a full and thorough understanding of your area of expertise will be the ability to communicate interactively via computational systems and other communication platforms. The ability to communicate (convey and express ideas) in a direct and remote setting is becoming an essential asset. The ability interact with and possibly develop simulations of experimental design and process flow paths are also technical skills that are in demand in most industries.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about principal research scientist

List of principal research scientist skills to add to your resume

Principal research scientist skills

The most important skills for a principal research scientist resume and required skills for a principal research scientist to have include:

  • Research Projects
  • Principal Research
  • Data Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Drug Discovery
  • Clinical Trials
  • Clinical Development
  • Product Development
  • R
  • Biomarkers
  • Visualization
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Early Development
  • Regulatory Submissions
  • Clinical Studies
  • Data Collection
  • Analytical Methods
  • Technical Reports
  • Prototyping
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Next-Generation Sequencing
  • Extraction
  • Medical Devices
  • CMC
  • Emerging Technologies
  • FDA
  • Research Program
  • GMP
  • PK
  • Patent Applications
  • Method Development
  • Assay Development
  • DOD
  • Cros
  • GLP
  • Experimental Design
  • IND
  • Direct Reports
  • LC/MS
  • Technical Support
  • PCR
  • HPLC
  • Profiling
  • Drug Candidates
  • UV
  • Cell-Based Assays
  • QC
  • Pharmacokinetics
  • Elisa

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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