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Principal scientist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted experts
Uma Bhatt,
Uma Bhatt
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical principal scientist skills. We ranked the top skills for principal scientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 7.0% of principal scientist resumes contained oncology as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a principal scientist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 principal scientist skills for your resume and career

1. Oncology

Oncology is defined as the facet of medicine that deals with cancer. Oncology also deals with the prevention and diagnosis of these diseases. A medical professional who has studied the discipline of oncology is referred to as an ‘oncologist'. An oncologist can further specialize in their discipline and become a medical oncologist, surgical oncologist, or radiation oncologist.

Here's how principal scientists use oncology:
  • Created and managed intellectual property to submit 6 patent applications for method and composition of small molecules for Oncology.
  • Project leadership in Oncology and Inflammation.

2. Data Analysis

Here's how principal scientists use data analysis:
  • Performed extensive data analysis functions, while directing the creation and implementation of new measurement systems at various manufacturing sites.
  • Develop reports based on data analysis, customer and presenter feedback, and government/military requirements.

3. 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 scientists use drug discovery:
  • Provided solution and LC-NMR support to Drug Discovery and Chemical Development to obtain structural information on organic synthesis intermediates/products.
  • Utilized pilot projects to optimize reagent production for basic internal drug discovery and reagent support for clinical development.

4. GMP

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice. It is a system that ensures that all products like food, beverages, and medicinal drugs that are produced comply with the quality standards. It helps in minimizing the risks and hazards that cannot be eliminated after the testing of final products.

Here's how principal scientists use gmp:
  • Mentored junior scientists in understanding GMP compliance during process development and scale-up execution and defining optimal design of experiments.
  • Ensured appropriate completion of compliance documentations (QAR, Validation and Controlled Document Preparation and Approvals), and GMP compliance.

5. Experimental Design

Experimental design is the process of researching in an objective and controlled manner to maximize precision and draw specific conclusions about a hypothesis statement. It is a concept used to efficiently organize, conduct, and interpret the results of experiments to ensure that as much useful information as possible is obtained by conducting a small number of trials. This minimizes the effects of the variables to increase the reliability of the results.

Here's how principal scientists use experimental design:
  • Linked experimental design and analysis to economic modeling.
  • Oversee experimental design for in-house and external collaborations.

6. Clinical Trials

Here's how principal scientists use clinical trials:
  • Designed and led the project aimed at development of bio-tracers for non-invasive monitoring of pathological process in clinical trials and diagnostics.
  • Managed team for establishing in-house HeLa cell line-based system to produce AAV-sFLT01 vectors for AMD gene therapy clinical trial Phase II.

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7. CRISPR

Here's how principal scientists use crispr:
  • Sole developer of CRISPR genome browser, a tool which will help customers to visualize genome editing process.
  • Developed CRISPR Cas9/gRNA genome modification technology in soybean.

8. IND

IND which stands for "Investigational New Drug" are drug applications submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some IND is submitted to start clinical trials to gain marketing approval for commercial purposes while others are purely research-oriented to study an unapproved drug for a patient population or new evidence.

Here's how principal scientists use ind:
  • Drafted and edited non-clinical safety assessment tables for IND application.
  • Support IND development activities for next generation product candidates.

9. Clinical Development

Here's how principal scientists use clinical development:
  • Contributed to the data package for two inflammation compounds that advanced into clinical development.
  • Progressed target program from idea conceptualization through early clinical development.

10. FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services that regulates the production and sale of food, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, and other consumer goods, as well as veterinary medicine. The FDA is now in charge of overseeing the manufacture of products like vaccines, allergy treatments, and beauty products.

Here's how principal scientists use fda:
  • Project leader for FDA Warning Letter remediation activities associated with cell banking and qualification.
  • Supported regulatory submissions including face-to-face interactions with the FDA.

11. 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 scientists use regulatory submissions:
  • Authored and reviewed pharmacology section of regulatory documents for US and global regulatory submissions.
  • Collaborated with regulatory groups to produce high quality regulatory submissions, updates and responses.

12. 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 scientists use biomarkers:
  • Led a group of scientists involved in the identification, development and validation of biomarkers for Respiratory and Immunology programs.
  • Contributed to business development of diagnostics and biomarkers for cancer, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease.

13. Pharmaceutical Industry

Here's how principal scientists use pharmaceutical industry:
  • Attend sales meetings and bid defenses to formally present information on scientific capabilities to pharmaceutical industry clients.
  • Served as Principal Investigator for a variety of clients in the pharmaceutical industry from Japan, Europe, and US.

14. Project Management

Here's how principal scientists use project management:
  • Program and Project Management: Successful cross-matrix management of early-stage resources and activities as program co-leader for three Therapy area-sponsored programs.
  • Used project management and planning proficiency regarding scientific research programs.

15. Cros

Here's how principal scientists use cros:
  • Mentored associates and CROs on challenging targets to ensure delivery of compounds.
  • Recruit and qualify CROs, academic labs in support of development goals.
top-skills

What skills help Principal 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 scientist resumes?

Uma Bhatt

Professor of Atmospheric Sciences & Geophysical Institute, Associate Director of Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks

The skills that stand out for all of our graduates are the ability to be a data scientist of weather/climate data and to be able to add interpretation to that data.
Now for those students who want to work as forecasters, then the ability to synthesize information into a forecast for what will happen over the next few days is critical. The students who are more interested in climate (2 weeks and longer scales out to decades) need to synthesize information across many different disciplines because many parts of the earth system are involved in seasonal and longer time outlooks.

What soft skills should all principal scientists possess?

Uma Bhatt

Professor of Atmospheric Sciences & Geophysical Institute, Associate Director of Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks

The ability to work in a team and contribute in this environment is critical. This means being dependable if you are expected to contribute something to the 'end product.' It also means the ability to communicate clearly (i.e., speak up when you don't understand something, be comfortable with what you do and do not know, give constructive comments, and take criticism).
The most important thing is that 'it is not about you,' but rather about the problem people are solving together.

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

Uma Bhatt

Professor of Atmospheric Sciences & Geophysical Institute, Associate Director of Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Important skills include math, statistics, computer data science, reading and synthesizing information, logical/critical thinking, and writing clearly.

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

Scott Johnson

Professor and Director, University of Maine

This would depend on the student's goals. If interested in working in the environmental industry: HAZWOPER training, obtaining a Professional Geologist certification, developing programming skills. The PG can be obtained through self-study to pass the exam; then, the experience is needed to receive official accreditation. HAZWOPER training can be obtained through short courses. Programming skills in many popular languages can be learned online and with freely available material on the internet. I'd also advocate for people getting work experience, if possible. On a general note, computer programming skills, math/physics knowledge, GIS/remote sensing, and UAV training are valuable ways to use a gap year. Students can do these things effectively from anywhere, as long as they have a computer. There are many online options and even apps to improve knowledge in these fields and are needed for what we do.

What type of skills will young principal scientists need?

Joe HarrisonJoe Harrison LinkedIn profile

Animal Scientist and Extension Specialist, Washington State University

Critical thinking and the ability to make the best decisions, realizing that they will make better decisions as one gets more experience. A second skill is the ability to navigate conflict in the workplace.

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

Dr. Joey Neilsen

Assistant Professor, Villanova University

I think programming skills and data analysis/statistics are especially valuable right now, while data science is so big. Our students take a year of Computational Physics in Python, and we integrate Python into some of our upper-level courses and labs as well. Our recent graduates, both in academia and the private sector, report using those skills on a regular basis. Two other skills that US Physics graduates report using regularly are technical problem solving and technical writing. This makes lots of sense from an employer perspective: you want to hire people who can identify and solve problems and then clearly explain the solution to your team. This is a great reason to let those lab reports shine!
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about principal scientist

List of principal scientist skills to add to your resume

Principal scientist skills

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

  • Oncology
  • Data Analysis
  • Drug Discovery
  • GMP
  • Experimental Design
  • Clinical Trials
  • CRISPR
  • IND
  • Clinical Development
  • FDA
  • Regulatory Submissions
  • Biomarkers
  • Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Project Management
  • Cros
  • R
  • Visualization
  • C++
  • Pharmacokinetics
  • Technical Reports
  • Method Development
  • Assay Development
  • Java
  • MATLAB
  • RNA
  • CMC
  • Next-Generation Sequencing
  • Analytical Methods
  • Elisa
  • Early Development
  • Research Projects
  • Clinical Studies
  • Drug Candidates
  • Drug Products
  • PCR
  • NDA
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • GLP
  • PK/PD
  • Cell-Based Assays
  • QC
  • Cycle Management
  • Dosage Forms
  • Direct Reports
  • Business Development
  • HPLC
  • ADME
  • ICH
  • API

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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