Principal Scientist

ICON plc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave entitlement

Health insurance offerings

Retirement planning options

Global Employee Assistance Programme (

LifeWorks

Life assurance

Flexible country-specific benefits

Job summary

ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization seeking a Principal Scientist to lead scientific research and development programs. You will collaborate across clinical, regulatory, and data science teams, guiding study design, interpretation, and dissemination of results.

The role emphasizes leadership, mentorship, and advancing translational research to improve patient outcomes in a dynamic, values-driven environment. On-site Whitesboro, NY opportunity.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in life sciences or related field (PhD or MS).
• Proven track record in leading complex research projects.
• Strong analytical skills and expertise in experimental design and data interpretation.
• Experience in pharmaceutical/biotech/CRO environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and execution of scientific studies (preclinical, clinical, or translational) to support drug development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (clinical, regulatory, data science) to integrate scientific insights into trial design.
• Provide scientific leadership in interpreting results, contribute to data analysis, and develop publications and presentations.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies to enhance research capabilities and clinical development.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists, promoting scientific excellence and collaboration.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific writing

Data interpretation

Education

PhD or MS in life sciences/related field

Job description

Principal Scientist; Full-Time; Whitesboro, New York- On-site

ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.

As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.

We are currently seeking a Principal Scientist to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Principal Scientist at ICON, you will play a pivotal role in leading scientific research and development initiatives that drive innovation and advance clinical programs. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and execute complex studies, provide scientific expertise, and contribute to the development of innovative therapies and solutions that improve patient outcomes.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Leading the design, planning, and execution of scientific studies, including preclinical, clinical, or translational research, to support drug development programs.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including clinical, regulatory, and data science, to ensure the integration of scientific insights into clinical trial design and strategy.
• Providing scientific leadership and expertise in the interpretation of study results, contributing to data analysis, and developing scientific publications and presentations.
• Identifying and evaluating new technologies, methodologies, and scientific advancements to enhance research capabilities and support innovation in clinical development.
• Mentoring and guiding junior scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning within the team.

Your Profile:

• Advanced degree in life sciences, chemistry, pharmacology, or a related field (e.g., PhD, MS). Extensive experience in scientific research, drug development, or related areas within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or CRO industry.
• Proven track record of leading complex research projects, with strong analytical skills and expertise in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific writing.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant scientific areas, with the ability to apply this expertise to support clinical and translational research initiatives.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working in cross-functional teams and presenting scientific findings to diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities, with a commitment to developing junior scientists and promoting best practices in scientific research and development.

What ICON can offer you:

Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.

In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.

Our benefits examples include:

• Various annual leave entitlements
• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs.
• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.
• Global Employee Assistance Programme, LifeWorks, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialized professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being.
• Life assurance
• Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidized travel passes, health assessments, among others.

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.

At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. We’re dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know or submit a request here.

Salary range: $75,480.00-$94,350.00

Bonus, Com, Stock, Benefits & Disclaimer verbiage:
Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, education/training, and skill level. You may be eligible for a bonus, stock compensation and commissions in some cases depending on your role and performance.