Principal Scientist Jobs in Washington
Principal Scientist jobs in Washington concentrate heavily in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and advanced computing, making the state one of the most active markets in the country for senior research talent. Seattle and its surrounding Eastside corridor anchor most of the hiring, followed by the Tri-Cities area where federal energy research drives demand. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Bristol Myers Squibb have deep roots in Washington and represent some of the most consistent principal scientist employers in the state. The most sought-after specializations include computational biology, machine learning research, and materials science. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Company Overview
Immunome is a clinical-stage targeted oncology company committed to developing first-in-class and best-in-class targeted cancer therapies. We are advancing an innovative portfolio of therapeutics, supported by a leadership team with deep experience in the design, development, and commercialization of cutting-edge therapies, including antibody-drug conjugates. Our pipeline includes varegacestat, an investigational gamma secretase inhibitor for which an NDA has been accepted by the U.S. FDA; IM-1021, a clinical-stage ROR1 ADC; IM-1617, a clinical-stage solid tumor ADC; and IM-3050, a clinical-stage FAP-targeted radioligand therapy. We are also advancing a broad portfolio of early-stage ADCs pursuing undisclosed solid tumor targets.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Principal Scientist, Chemical Development to join our dynamic team to help advance our pipeline of innovative targeted cancer therapies. The successful candidate will apply their expertise in small molecule process development and manufacturing to support a variety of modalities in the Immunome pipeline with a focus on small molecule linker-payload targets for ADCs. This person will play a key role in leading challenging drug candidate process development programs, enabling treatment of patients in need.
Responsibilities
Leadership
- Provide technical leadership as a key member of the chemical development team while maintaining alignment with the company's goals and objectives.
- Function as the technical lead on at least one program while also functioning as an individual technical contributor.
- Provide guidance and leadership to external partners working towards the successful advancement of antibody drug conjugates, radiopharmaceuticals, and other lead programs.
- Support programs at the bench as an individual contributor as needed.
Technical Expertise
- Leverage knowledge and experience in the development and execution of robust and scalable small molecule synthetic processes.
- Devise and evaluate alternative routes of synthesis with the aim of developing robust and efficient routes to APIs while reducing cost of goods (COGs) and shortening manufacturing lead times.
- Develop robust data packages for technical transfer of processes for manufacturing partners at external CMOs.
- Maintain knowledge of the current state of the art in synthetic methods utilized for the construction of complex molecules.
- Carry out thorough analytical data collection both as an individual contributor in the lab as well as via oversight and review of data collected at our external partners.
- Contribute to authoring relevant sections of various regulatory documents (IND, IMPD, NDA, briefing books, etc.) and provide SME support for related regulatory inquiries.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Execute the integrated CMC regulatory strategies for pipeline programs.
- Collaborate with research, regulatory affairs, and CMC teams to ensure seamless coordination of activities.
- Provide feedback to research on synthetic routes and raw materials that are CMC friendly.
- Foster strong collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
- Engage colleagues in discovery chemistry to provide CMC input of target molecules under evaluation for future development.
Innovation
- Stay abreast of the latest advancements in synthetic methodology as well as new technologies and methodologies to enhance our capabilities.
- Advance Immunome’s intellectual property portfolio.
Quality and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory guidelines and industry standards for chemical development processes.
- Uphold high-quality standards and address any compliance issues.
Qualifications
- PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or similar with a minimum of 7 years of industry experience leading small molecule and/or linker-payload programs, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience as a technical lead overseeing tech transfer, process development and implementation of processes for manufacture at internal and/or external manufacturers is a plus.
- Occasional evening and/or weekend commitment.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally (5-15%).
Knowledge And Skills
- Ability to design cost effective robust manufacturing processes for complex small molecule targets as well as troubleshoot and solve complex technical challenges quickly.
- Brings a collaborative and open-minded attitude when working with various internal and external teammates.
- Meticulous and detail-oriented scientist with the ability to operate as an individual contributor at the bench while also managing external partners.
- Proficient in generating robust and reliable analytical data utilizing various technologies in a hands-on capacity as well as evaluation of analytical data generated at external partners.
- Proficient in writing technical reports and formulating presentations.
- Ability to develop cross functional relationships with discovery chemistry and other pre-clinical groups.
- Experience in leading and managing technology transfers to third party process development and manufacturing partners.
- Knowledge of cGMP requirements and ICH guidelines related to CMC small molecule drug-substance development and manufacturing.
- Track record of working closely with cross-functional teams in a biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Washington State Pay Range
$169,593 - $206,233 USD
E/E/O
Immunome, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
E-Verify
Immunome, Inc. is a participant in E-Verify. Please review the following notices: E-Verify Participation Poster | Right to Work Poster (English) | Right to Work Poster (Spanish).
See All 38 Principal Scientist Jobs in Washington
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Find Principal Scientist JobsPrincipal Scientist Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Scientist Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Amazon11

- Microsoft8

- Immunome3

- Bristol Myers Squibb3

- Expedia2

Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
- Science & Research
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal scientist jobs across Washington.
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry, or computer science
- Minimum seven years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in a related field
- Demonstrated publication record or patent portfolio in the applicable scientific domain
- Experience leading cross-functional research teams and mentoring junior scientists
- Proficiency with advanced data analysis tools, statistical modeling, or laboratory platforms relevant to the specialty
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders
Principal Scientist Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal scientist in Washington?
The path to a principal scientist role in Washington typically starts with a doctoral degree in a natural or computational science, followed by several years of postdoctoral or industry research. Washington does not require a state-issued scientific license for most principal scientist positions outside of clinical or regulated fields. Candidates who build a strong record of peer-reviewed publications, lead independent research projects, and gain experience at Washington's major biotech or tech employers move into principal scientist roles most directly.
Which companies hire principal scientists in Washington?
Employers hiring principal scientists in Washington right now include Amazon, Microsoft, and Immunome, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Washington's concentration of life sciences companies along the I-405 corridor and global technology headquarters in the greater Seattle area means demand for principal scientists is spread across both sectors.
Which Washington cities have the most principal scientist jobs?
The cities with the most principal scientist openings in Washington are Seattle, Redmond, and Bellevue. Seattle and the Eastside cities of Bellevue and Redmond dominate because of the dense cluster of technology and biotech employers headquartered there, while the Tri-Cities area supports principal scientist roles tied to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and federal energy research.
Are there remote principal scientist jobs in Washington?
Yes, and more than many research roles, particularly for computational or data-focused principal scientists. About 50% of principal scientist openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the state's strong tech-employer presence. The most remote-compatible work tends to be in bioinformatics, machine learning research, and scientific program management rather than wet-lab or hardware-dependent positions.
How can I get hired as a principal scientist in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path for candidates without principal scientist experience is securing a postdoctoral associate or research scientist role at a Washington institution, such as the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, or a Seattle-area biotech. From those positions, lateral moves into associate or staff scientist titles at companies like Seagen or Adaptive Biotechnologies provide the track toward principal level. Building a portfolio of published work and completing a doctoral degree in a directly relevant field gives candidates the clearest competitive edge in Washington's hiring market.
Where can I find and apply to principal scientist jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to principal scientist jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and specialization, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 38 Principal Scientist Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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