What Does a Toxicologist Do?

A toxicologist studies chemical, biological and physical agents and their effects on living things, such as humans, animals and the environment.

These agents may include pathogens, new medicines and even radiation (among many others). A toxicologist will often focus on one specific area of interest.

In addition to documenting their findings and sharing their research in scientific journals, toxicologists also advise governments and other organisations on the area in which they specialise.

 

Who employs toxicologists?

Depending on their area of research and expertise, toxicologists may be employed by...

• Universities and academic settings
• Clinical and medical environments
• Pharmaceuticals
• Environmental health
• Forensics
• Industrial settings
• Food production
• Charities
• Government

 

Role and responsibilities of a toxicologist

A toxicologist's duties will vary depending on their area of expertise, but here is a rough overview of how these professionals tend to spend their time:

• Research and analysis. This involves identifying substances, designing studies to measure their effects, recording the findings, determining possible risks and identifying how they may be used safely.
  
  
• Written reports. Sharing research findings involves writing up the results and submitting them as scientific papers or presenting them at conferences.
  
  
• Work with regulatory bodies. Public and private agencies, such as government or industry, work with toxicologists to ensure they are in compliance with safety regulations.
  
  
• Public health. Toxicologists are consulted to develop new guidelines and policies when novel agents are developed or discovered. They also guide information for public consumption, such as posters, campaigns, leaflets and informational inserts in medical packaging.
  
  
• Expert testimony. Legal cases involving forensic evidence, environmental issues or toxic substances often require expert input from an experienced toxicologist.

 

What qualifications do you need to become a toxicologist?

At a minimum, employers usually require toxicology applicants to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant area that provides a good grounding in biological and chemical sciences.

Examples of such degrees include:

• Toxicology
• Pharmacology
• Medicine or veterinary medicine
• Biology (or a related field such as biochemistry, biomedical science or microbiology)
• Environmental sciences
• Forensic science
• Chemistry

However, competition for toxicologist jobs is high so many applicants will also have a master's degree or doctorate under their belt.

There may also be further training on the job when you first start out.

 

Key skills that all toxicologists need

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
  
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, in order to clearly impart information to both experts and laypeople
  
  
• Ability to work effectively both in a team and independently
  
  
• Good time management and organisation skills, with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
  
  
• The drive to take a proactive approach to your work and a keen interest in keeping up with the latest developments in the field