Toxicologist
A toxicologist studies chemicals and their effects on living beings and the environment. The goal of toxicologists is to maintain a good standard of health for the earth and all living things. In agriculture, they assist in the evaluation of risks to human health from the use of agricultural products. To do this, they conduct chemical, physical and toxicological property analyses of chemical substances.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Analyze and interpret field and laboratory toxic substances
- Oversee drug and product safety during all phases of development
- Attain toxicological, chemical and biological data and conclusions
- Develop and implement investigative toxicology studies
- Review, evaluate and interpret current scientific research
- Develop rational criteria for analyzing chemical hazards
- Identify the presence of toxic substance components
- Conduct exposure and risk assessments
- Support the development of environmental supervising programs
- Review and analyze test-method protocols
- Ensure scientific accuracy and quality of toxicology data packages
- Maintain and prepare various records
- Clearly communicate toxicology testing strategy and results in both written and oral format
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- English
- focus on higher level mathematics and science such as statistics, algebra, genetics, biology, chemistry and physics
Education/Training Required:
Individuals may work as a toxicologist on an assistant level with an associate degree. However, a majority of the opportunities require a master’s or doctorate degree. An associate, undergraduate, master’s or doctorate degree is often obtained in toxicology or related discipline.
