This post provides complete information on the toxicologist job description and career, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.
It also shows how you can become a toxicologist, the requirements you need to meet to be hired, and the various job positions you can explore with a toxicology career.
Please, read on:
What Does a Toxicologist Do?
The toxicologist is responsible for assessing the hazard(s) associated with chemicals, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals systems.
They analyze whether a substance (e.g. chemical substance) has the ability to cause adverse health effects on the human body, and also if they should be considered hazardous substances or not.
The toxicologist job description entails developing methods for detecting, identifying, quantifying, and evaluating harmful chemicals in air, soil, food products, and water supplies.
It involves minimizing people’s exposure to harmful chemicals and ensuring their safe use.
They develop strategies to minimize the risk of exposure by using analytical techniques for toxicology, such as TLC, GC/MS, and LC/MS.
They conduct in vitro, in vivo, and mutagenicity studies on chemicals to be used, including pesticides, food additives, and cosmetics, and their high risk counterparts, to determine their potential toxicity.
A toxicologist will also study the behavior of materials and other substances on the outer surfaces of the human body through investigations such as those on the skin and dermal fluids (skin-related problems).
They use techniques such as penetration testing, eye absorption, fat soluble residue analysis, etc.
One of the duties of the toxicologist is to conduct research into new substances or substances under review by applying scientific methodologies such as animal studies, computer modeling, and epidemiological analyses.
Carrying out field tests on potentially hazardous materials (which is usually conducted in the laboratory) to determine the actual hazard, rate of exposure and safe use is among their tasks.
Another duty is that they assess how new laws and regulations, such as “REACH” are likely to affect them and their work.
The toxicologist is also responsible for developing tools for the purpose of easy and quick identification on the potential hazard posed by a toxic substance or its metabolites.
This can include screening for carcinogens, mutagenic compounds, etc.
The toxicologist also performs a risk assessment of the potential harmful effects of hazardous chemicals on human health and the environment.
A toxicologist must be able to perform the analysis of pesticides, drugs, and other chemicals having toxic properties and determine their safety level according to a specific set of guidelines.
Reporting their findings, conclusions and recommendations to different governmental agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Food Quality Protect Program (FQP) on a regular basis in order to maintain good relations with them is a key part of their job.
The toxicologist may be responsible for allocating funds for carrying out laboratory work and will also provide assurance at meetings with regulatory bodies in the United States.
They write reports, articles, and technical papers to share their work with peers in the field of toxicology.
Toxicologist Job Description Sample/Example/Template
The toxicologist job description entails the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:
- Provide leadership in the development and interpretation of environmental, health, safety, and occupational toxicological data
- Develop plans to reduce exposures occurring at the workplace through the effective use of pollution prevention, reduction, and control measures to attain compliance with all applicable regulations
- Conduct research activities such as screening tests and studies in order to determine specific characteristics of chemicals that may present a hazard to human health or may be useful for achieving regulatory objectives
- Provide leadership in coordination of the multi-disciplinary team efforts responsible for developing or redesigning processes or procedures for manufacturing products as well as for implementing process controls/monitoring of operations that are required by regulations, codes or other occupational standards or requirements
- Assist in control systems design and certification in a technical capacity as needed
- Review data and regulatory requirements to provide appropriate interpretation of results
- Advice management on appropriate responses to complaints or unusual occurrences related to possible adverse health effects following occupational exposure or release of toxic materials into the environment
- Provide leadership in the design and implementation of emergency preparedness plans and responses to chemical accidents
- Provide direction and assistance to employees in completing activity data sheets and hazard communication statements
- Develop training programs and provide leadership in conducting employee safety training for colleagues
- Provide leadership in developing applicable federal and/or state regulations, codes or standards, including those required to enforce OSHA standards
- Provide expertise on toxicological data to adjust procedures or products and ensure that they are safe for humans and the environment.
Toxicologist Job Description for Resume
If you are making a new resume or CV as someone who has worked before as a toxicologist or are presently working in that role, you can highlight that experience in your resume’s Work Experience section.
You can create this section by applying the duties and responsibilities in the toxicologist job description example above.
This will show to the recruiter/employer that you have been effective performing the duties and responsibilities of a toxicologist, which can significantly enhance the success of your resume at winning you an interview, especially if the new position that you are seeking requires someone with some toxicologist job experience.
Toxicologist Job Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success
If you are seeking to work as a toxicologist, here are major requirements you may be expected to meet to be hired:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Science or a course related to science and at par with a Bachelor’s program
- Master’s degree or above is preferred
- 1-5 years of experience in a laboratory setting is preferred, but candidates without any will also be considered
- Knowledge of science and lab techniques, such as chemical analysis, using analytical tools (e.g., GC/FID, CGA/AAS and MS)
- Knowledge of OSHA regulations and other federal regulatory requirements governing toxicology activities is preferred
- Knowledge of current environmental health regulations, particularly those that provide guidelines for the handling and use of hazardous materials is preferred
- Knowledge of health care standards relating to medical education
- Knowledge of occupational safety and health regulations and obligations imposed by employers, regulatory agencies, and accrediting organizations is preferred
- Must be able to gain access to a laboratory that is capable of performing safe and accurate toxicological analyses at least equivalent to those found in major medical laboratories (e.g., clinical chemistry, immunohematology).
Toxicologist Salary
The average toxicologist salary is $82,534 per year. The top paying states are New Jersey, $108,974; Connecticut, $90,844; Indiana, $88,751; Delaware, $81,371; and Maryland, $81,806 per year.
According to the Society of Toxicology, the United States employs roughly 9,000 toxicologists.
White is the most common ethnicity among toxicologists, accounting for 59.4% of all toxicologists.
In comparison, Asian ethnicity accounts for 23.8% of the population, while Hispanic or Latino ethnicity accounts for 8.5%.
Toxicologist Career Advancement
The career paths for a toxicologist can be in different roles like:
- Research Toxicologist
Research toxicologists are those toxicologists who perform research on toxicology and bioterrorism.
They conduct research, test various biounits; they analyze information that is provided to them and make sure data is collected.
- Industrial Toxicologist
Industrial toxicologists are those toxicologists who work in an industry where they test chemicals and other hazardous substances to make sure they are safe.
This type of jobs includes laboratories, chemical plants and industries where heavy chemicals are used or manufactured.
- Medical Toxicologist
Medical toxicologists are those toxicologists who conduct research and tests to make sure that medical errors do not occur.
They conduct research on the bioterrorism and other diseases that can lead to death.
- Forensic Toxicologist
Forensic toxicologists are those toxicologists who identify the source of a substance and go on to find out the cause of death.
For example, they analyze blood samples, tissue samples, or body parts to determine the cause of death.
- Medical Toxicologist
Medical toxicologists are those toxicologists who conduct research and tests to make sure that medical errors do not occur.
They conduct research on the bioterrorism and other diseases that can lead to death.
Medical toxicologists are involved in disease control, prevention, patient safety, health care delivery and workforce health.
- Environmental Epidemiologist
Environmental epidemiologists are those toxicologists who conduct research in the field of environmental health.
They study the causes and effects of an environmental factor or toxin to determine its effect on human health and to assist in identifying exposures that cause disease.
- Industrial Hygienist
Industrial hygienists are those toxicologists who work in industries where they clean and sanitize facilities to ensure that hazardous chemicals do not contaminate workers or products.
They make sure the facility is clean and healthy for the workers, and they inspect and test different areas of the facility to make sure workers are safe from hazardous chemicals.
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Occupational health and safety specialists are those toxicologists who work at a company that handles dangerous chemicals in the workplace.
- Medical Toxicologist Technical Advisor
Medical toxicologist technical advisors are those toxicologists who work at a company to make sure that the drugs produced by the company are safe for use.
They are to ensure that the drugs or medicine manufactured and distributed by the company is safe for human use.
- Analytical Chemist
Analytical chemists are those toxicologists who conduct drug tests and other testing.
They conduct various tests in experiments and research, identifying any chemical substances found on surfaces, food, drugs, and more.
Challenges faced by Toxicologist on the Job
The challenges faced by toxicologists in their jobs include:
- Exposure to bioterrorism and other diseases
The potential effects of bioterrorism and other diseases can inflict serious damage.
Exposure to bioterrorism and other diseases can threaten the lives of workers and people in general.
Toxicologists should be aware of potential threats that can lead to exposure to bioterrorism and other diseases.
- High strain of the job
The work of a toxicologist is to ensure that the industry and people are safe from chemicals and other hazardous substances.
The work requires the effort of many experts like analytical chemists, medical researchers, environmental specialists, technical advisors and others.
Toxicologists are required to be knowledgeable about the many different aspects of their industry.
- Extensive hours of work
Toxicologists tend to work long working hours or shifts. Depending on the job and industry, they may end up working overnight or during weekends. This can cause fatigue and stress.
Toxicologists need to know when to take a break to avoid overworking and also to prioritize their health.
How to Become a Toxicologist
If you are thinking of becoming a toxicologist, you should first learn of the requirements of the job.
You will then be ready to embark on an adventure once you understand what it takes to seek this type of career.
Now, here are the steps you will need to take to become a toxicologist:
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
If you can enroll in scientific courses and electives, you can start working towards becoming a toxicologist as early as high school.
A Bachelor’s degree is required to work as a toxicologist. Following high school, you should look for a top-rated university where you can acquire your Bachelor’s degree.
While there may not be a degree program dedicated completely to toxicology, you should look for one related to science, notably biology, chemistry, or criminal justice.
The subjects you study here will lay a solid basis for your future career.
2. Obtain a Master’s Degree
A Bachelor’s degree will equip you for a number of toxicological positions, but continuing your education will boost your chances of landing an outstanding employment.
If you want to advance your education, you should look into a PhD program. This will take more time, but it will help you find more options when you start your job hunt.
3. Working at a Laboratories
You will spend some of your time as a toxicologist in a research lab. As a result, it is critical to obtain genuine laboratory experience as soon as possible.
While you are still in school, you can inquire with your professors about opportunities to apply for internships or other unique projects that they are working on or are aware of.
This can provide you with valuable experience in a real-world toxicological setting, as well as networking opportunities.
4. Apply for Positions in Toxicology
After earning an undergraduate degree in toxicology or in a similar discipline (chemistry, biology, biochemistry), you will have the skills and training to apply for a number of positions in this industry.
You will be qualified to apply for work in animal laboratories and facilities, universities, testing centers, and many types of government agencies when you first start.
Working in animal labs and facilities will need you to conduct public health and environmental studies.
If you work in a university, you can be in charge of research, teaching, or course design. Other toxicology professions may entail testing different items and services to assure their safety.
5. Obtain your Certificate
While you do not need a license or certification to have a rewarding career in toxicology, becoming certified will allow you to qualify for a larger range of higher-paying opportunities in this sector.
That is why, after graduation and obtaining professional experience, it is a good idea to look into certificates.
If you want more opportunities, you can make yourself eligible by applying for certification from the American Board of Toxicology or another toxicology organization.
Major Benefits of a Toxicologist Career
Some of the benefits of getting into a toxicologist career include:
- Income
The pay you can expect as a toxicologist will vary based on your credentials and experience, but it is usually above average and higher than in other industries like food service, retail, or construction.
The median salary for a toxicologist in the US is $86,570, which is more than that for an experienced economist (median salary of $75,000).
- Technology
Technology is a vital part of the job. You need to use technology to research chemicals and other substances and their effects on the body.
Computers and other devices are needed in order to study data relating to these chemicals as well.
- Growth opportunities
The toxicology industry is growing, and this means growth opportunities for those who want a career in this field.
Toxicologists are expected to see a 16% increase in their career between 2018 and 2028.
- Employee satisfaction
Employee satisfaction is another benefit of having a toxicologist career. There are many aspects of the job that can stress you out.
However, the work gives you opportunities to build relationships with colleagues and peers in your industry.
- Work-life balance
The balance between the different aspects of your life is a crucial issue when it comes to choosing a career and deciding what type of job you would like to have.
A toxicologist career can help improve this aspect since it offers opportunities for travel and involvement in various activities.
- Advancement prospects
The toxicologist career offers great advancement opportunities. Once you have a few years of experience under your belt, then you may be able to pursue a leadership role.
Advancement opportunities include the opportunity to become a department head (which requires advancement to a management position), assistant or senior manager, or other positions that contribute to the success of the team and the continued success of toxicology in your field.
- Learning field
A toxicology career is a fantastic learning field because it is constantly evolving and new information is always being learned and put into practice.
Being a toxicologist will help you learn new things in the lab, and on the job. You will be constantly learning while improving your knowledge of chemical structures, reactions, interactions, etc.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a toxicologist is not an easy one. The job can be challenging, but it can pay well enough for you to live comfortably.
The field is expected to expand and grow as demand increases.
This post is helpful to individuals interested in the toxicologist career; they will be able to learn all they need to know about the duties and responsibilities of toxicologists, and can then make the right decision about becoming a toxicologist or not. It is also useful to recruiters/employers in making detailed job description for the toxicologist position in their organizations.