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Toxicologist

Do you want to become a Toxicologist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Toxicologists study the effects of chemicals on humans, animals, plants and the environment. They look for ways to avoid or reduce the harmful effects of chemicals. Their work covers many different areas:

• industrial toxicologists test products during and after their manufacture
• pharmaceutical toxicologists carry out tests on new drugs
• university toxicologists lecture and carry out their own research
• clinical toxicologists usually have a medical qualification and work in hospitals treating patients suffering from different types of poisoning
• forensic toxicologists deal with the legal aspects of poisons and drugs
• ecotoxicologists study the effects of chemicals on the environment
• regulatory toxicologists advise on whether products should be licensed and sold
• occupational toxicologists advise on ways in which chemicals should be handled.

Toxicologists usually work from 9am to 5pm, five days a week. They may have to be on call during some evenings and weekends. Most of the work is carried out in laboratories, where protective clothing is worn. Some toxicologists are required to work with animals.

Salaries range from around £18,000 to 100,000 a year.

A toxicologist should:

• have a high level of technical and scientific knowledge
• work accurately, paying close attention to the smallest details
• have good written, spoken and IT skills
• understand the need for confidentiality, especially in forensic toxicology
• work well as part of a team
• have a strong interest in science, the environment and public health and safety.

There are between 3,000 and 5,000 people working as toxicologists in the UK. Opportunities exist in the National Health Service (NHS), the Forensic Science Service ( FSS), industry and consultancy throughout the country.

Entry to the profession is with a science degree. Graduates may take a full or part-time course leading to a Masters degree, or undertake on-the-job training. Mature students with the relevant qualifications can also find work as toxicologists.

After several years' experience toxicologists can take an advanced qualification in toxicology, such as the Diploma of the Institute of Biology in Toxicology. With further experience they can apply for membership of the British Toxicology Society.

Promotion is possible to a more senior position, such as a managerial role, which usually involves less time in the laboratory. There may be opportunities to become self-employed or to work on a freelance basis.

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