People may not have heard the term toxicologist. But, they have probably benefited from the work of one. Chemical hazards and toxic substances, both natural and manmade, surround people every day. Chemicals are present in the air people breathe, the foods and beverages people consume, the medicines people use to heal, and the objects people touch. Toxicologists use the latest in scientific tools and scientific disciplines and techniques to study and perform toxicology research on the effects of this multitude of chemicals, sorting out which ones are safe for public use and which one may be to blame for serious health problems like cancers, neurological damage, birth defects and respiratory diseases.
Toxicologists and Industry
According to the Society of Toxicology, nearly half of all toxicologists are employed by private industries. With consumers growing increasingly savvy about the potential dangers of chemicals, many businesses hire toxicologists to test out their products with carefully controlled studies of the ingredients in them. Toxicologists help with product development and product safety evaluation to ensure products do not pose health risks. They may also be responsible for ensuring a company complies with any applicable regulations. In some cases, federal law requires a company to provide proof that a product has been adequately tested before making it available to the public. In these situations, toxicologists design and oversee the necessary studies.
Toxicologists and Educational Institutions
With the increasing interest in the effects of chemicals, many colleges and universities are expanding their offerings in toxicology at both the bachelor’s degree level and graduate levels, including the doctoral degree. Toxicologists often help develop toxicologist education curricula for this degree program and serve as teachers to the students who participate in them. Education required for toxicologists is extensive, with toxicologist education requirements covering environmental health sciences, biology, physics, molecular biology, biomedical sciences and other science and math related courses. Academic institutions often require toxicology laboratory time working in a research laboratory exploring clinical toxicology.
Toxicologists and Government
Many toxicologists find jobs working with regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. State and federal government agencies hire toxicologists to review testing results submitted by private businesses. Other toxicologists help assist lawmakers in writing effective new laws and regulations regarding chemicals with the potential to be toxic as well as work in forensic toxicology. They may be called on to help in cases involving the enforcement of existing laws. Some toxicologists help explain the dangers, or lack thereof, of various chemicals to the public by giving interviews and talks or lending their expertise to the developers of public relations materials.
Other Opportunities for Toxicologist
Some toxicologists choose to work as consultants, assisting businesses, educational institutions and local or state governmental agencies that do not have a toxicologist on staff with pressing health or environmental issues. Public or private research firms also hire toxicologists who devote their expertise to thoroughly researching a particular concern with the ultimate goal of finding viable solutions.
Educational Requirements to Become a Toxicologist 
Toxicologist education requirements depend on exactly what job is being performed. People with associates or a bachelor’s degree in subjects like chemistry, biology and toxicology can often find entry-level positions working as research technicians or laboratory assistants. Those with master’s degrees often work with state governments or as part of a business’ team of toxicologists. People who have earned their doctoral degrees have the most options. They can conduct research and product safety evaluations for industry, teach at the university level, or accept higher-ranking positions with major governmental agencies. Toxicologists with a doctoral degree are also the most likely candidates for consulting positions
Where do toxicologists work?
Toxicologists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health and protect public health. A toxicologist job description often includes conducting clinical trials and other investigative research to reach their findings.
The largest employers of medical scientists in 2021 were as follows:
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences- 36%
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private- 23%
Hospitals; state, local, and private- 17%
Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing-4%
Physician offices- 1%
These important workers sometimes work with dangerous biological samples and chemicals. Toxicologists are often wearing protective safety equipment such as goggles and gloves and must keep their work areas neat to avoid unintended exposure.
What are skills a Toxicologist needs?
Although skills needed will vary depending on the specific work a toxicologist will be doing, these are skills that are universally thought to be needed to perform well in a toxicology career:
- Good laboratory practice
- Organizational skills
- Oral communication skills
- Writing skills
- Research skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Data analysis skills
- Computer science skills
What is the job outlook and salary for a Toxicologist?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, toxicologists are medical scientists who can expect robust job growth of 17% from 2021-2031, which is much greater than the average of all other occupations. Their median salary is $95,310 per year, meaning half make more and half make less than that amount. Depending on your area of expertise, experience and location, pay will vary. For example, a toxicologist salary for an experienced forensic toxicology worker will make more in different locations of the country.
What are the professional organizations for Toxicologists?
Check out these professional organizations that serve the toxicology profession:
Society of Toxicology (SOT)
International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX)
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