Principal Scientist Jobs in Idaho
Principal Scientist jobs in Idaho are concentrated in life sciences, agricultural biotechnology, and advanced materials research, with steady demand at both staff and leadership levels. The most active hiring metros are Boise, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls, where employers such as Simplot, INL (Idaho National Laboratory), and Micron Technology maintain long-term principal scientist roles. The most sought-after specialties are analytical chemistry, molecular biology, and materials science. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Description
Medical Laboratory Scientist I, II or III
Basic Function and Scope of Responsibility:
The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) performs waived, moderately complex, and high complexity testing, according to established standards and practices in the areas of hematology, chemistry, immunology, microbiology and immunohematology for use in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration of equipment, quality control procedures and is responsible for the validity of test results. Performs phlebotomy.
Employee Responsibilities:
Level I - Minimum
- Perform laboratory assays in accordance with Valor Health’s standard operating procedures
- Operate, calibrate and maintain all laboratory equipment and instruments according to standard operating procedures to ensure quality results
- Maintain adequate inventory of supplies, reagents and materials
- Accept or reject test results in accordance with standard operating procedures
- Document remedial action, troubleshooting, quality assurance activities and instrument maintenance
- Maintains excellent customer service and professionalism when communicating with patients, colleagues and vendors
- Ensures HIPPA is always followed. Maintains patient rights and confidentiality of patient information and abides by established communication code. Assures accurate maintenance of patient’s medical records and that patient records are treated as confidential information.
- Adhere to established processing timelines
- Adhere to all quality and safety standards
- Other duties as assigned by management
Level II – Fully meets the responsibilities of Level I plus the following:
- General knowledge of Standard Operating Procedure writing, assay theory, and instrumentation
- Orient, mentor and teach clinical laboratory methods, procedures, and techniques to new Associates
- Demonstrate effective teamwork skills by knowledge sharing
- Take on formally assigned additional duties as a part of routine job performance
- Participate on special project teams as requested by supervisory staff
- Assists the Laboratory Manager with the direction of the daily operation of the laboratory.
- In conjunction with the Laboratory Manager and Lead, assists in training, performs competency assessment, and enforces policies with new and existing staff.
- Provides for review of patient testing results.
- Ensures any associated quality control issues are resolved.
- Provides technical expertise in the laboratory.
- Assists in continued instrument and/or testing method troubleshooting of tests as needed.
- Assists with problem resolution and follow up reports for proficiency testing as requested.
- Assists with the completion of QC/QA activities and assists in the compliance of regulatory requirements.
- Responsible for monitoring and ordering supplies.
- Other duties as assigned
Level III – Fully meets the responsibilities of Level II plus the following:
- Obtain advanced knowledge of Valor Health’s standard operating procedures, assays, and instrumentation
- Participate in troubleshooting activities in conjunction with Technical Supervisor
- Volunteer to serve on various committees and panels to the benefit of the laboratory or company in general (e.g.
- Safety Committee)
- Other duties as assigned.
Level I – Minimum Requirements
- BS or BA in biological, physical, chemical or clinical laboratory science
- Certification: MLS (ASCP) or within six months of employment
- Phlebotomy experience
- Willing to work with potentially infectious human blood and body fluids
- Ability to work with automated and manual platforms
- Must possess skills required for aseptic techniques
- Intermediate level of proficiency with PC based software programs
- Demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty in performing tests, documenting test results and maintaining patient, client, employee and laboratory business confidentiality
- Excellent verbal & written communication skills
- Analytical judgment, problem solving skills, accuracy and strong detail oriented
Level II – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I plus the following:
Minimum of 2+ years of clinical laboratory experience
Level III – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I and II plus the following:
Minimum of 5 years of clinical laboratory experience
See All 18 Principal Scientist Jobs in Idaho
Find roles in Idaho that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Scientist JobsPrincipal Scientist Jobs by City in Idaho
Where Idaho roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Scientist Job Market in Idaho
A snapshot from current Idaho openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Micron Technology3

- St. Luke's Health System3

- Trinity Health2

- Kochava1

- Syngenta1

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services6
- Electronics & Hardware3
- Education1
What Idaho Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal scientist jobs across Idaho.
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline such as chemistry, biology, or materials science
- Minimum eight years of progressive research experience including independent project leadership
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications or patents in a relevant field
- Experience designing and executing complex experiments and interpreting data at scale
- Ability to mentor junior scientists and collaborate across cross-functional research teams
- Proficiency with specialized laboratory instrumentation and data analysis software relevant to the discipline
Principal Scientist Jobs in Idaho: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal scientist in Idaho?
Becoming a principal scientist in Idaho typically requires a doctoral degree in a relevant scientific field followed by several years of increasingly independent research experience. Idaho does not require a state-issued license for most principal scientist roles, but positions at regulated facilities such as Idaho National Laboratory or pharmaceutical operations may require federal security clearances or biosafety certifications. Building a publication record and demonstrating project leadership are the primary markers Idaho employers look for when advancing candidates to the principal level.
Which companies hire principal scientists in Idaho?
Employers hiring principal scientists in Idaho right now include Micron Technology, St. Luke's Health System, and Trinity Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Idaho's anchor institutions in nuclear energy, agricultural science, and semiconductor manufacturing generate consistent principal scientist demand that persists across hiring cycles.
Which Idaho cities have the most principal scientist jobs?
Boise, Nampa, and Emmett hold the most principal scientist openings in Idaho. Boise anchors demand through its growing life sciences and technology sector, Idaho Falls draws heavily from Idaho National Laboratory and its contractor ecosystem, and Twin Falls reflects Simplot's and other agribusiness firms' ongoing investment in applied research talent.
Are there remote principal scientist jobs in Idaho?
Yes, but they're rare. Principal scientist roles are predominantly hands-on, requiring laboratory access, specialized equipment, or regulated research environments that do not translate to fully remote work. About 0% of principal scientist openings tied to Idaho are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those that are tend to cover computational modeling, bioinformatics, or data-intensive research functions where bench work is minimal.
How can I get hired as a principal scientist in Idaho with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a postdoctoral research appointment, and Idaho National Laboratory and the University of Idaho both run structured postdoc programs that feed directly into scientist career tracks. Candidates without a doctorate can target associate scientist or research scientist roles at Simplot, Micron, or INL contractors and build toward the principal level from there. A strong publication record, a demonstrated specialty in an area Idaho employers actively recruit for such as materials characterization or crop genomics, and any relevant federal clearance eligibility will accelerate that progression.
Where can I find and apply to principal scientist jobs in Idaho?
You can find and apply to principal scientist jobs in Idaho on Migrate Mate, which lists current Idaho openings. Search the roles that fit your discipline and experience level and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 18 Principal Scientist Jobs in Idaho
Find roles in Idaho that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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