Agricultural Careers Toxicologist

1. Agricultural Careers Toxicologist By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Trisha Rae Stephens Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

2. Job Duties & Responsibilities • Isolating, identifying and quantifying toxic substances or radiation and any harmful effect they might elicit on humans, animals, plants or ecosystems • Designing and carrying out laboratory or field experiments using plants and animals or in vitro biological systems, following good laboratory practice guidelines • Analyzing and evaluating statistical data • Carrying out risk assessments • Writing reports and/or scientific papers • Developing mathematical models to predict the long-term fate and effect of chemicals within an organism or ecosystem • Researching scientific literature • Advising on the safe handling of toxic substances and radiation, in production or in the event of accident • Liaising with other scientists, technicians and in some cases regulatory authorities.

3. Qualities and Skills • Overall not physically demanding • Must have steady hands for working in the laboratory • Desire to learn, solve problems, and benefit mankind and the environment • Think critically and answer complex questions is needed • Ability to be organized and methodical in ones work • Ability to work alone and with others

4. Salary According to the Society of Toxicology, full-time, salaried undergraduate degree ranged from $30K-$90K (based on experience), master's degree ranged from $35K-$98K (based on experience), and doctoral degree ranged from $35K-$200K (based on experience).

5. Work Environment • Your work will be mostly in the laboratory, where protective clothing is worn. It is likely that you will work with animals at some point in your career, although not all toxicologists perform experiments in animals. • Self-employment or freelance work is often possible. There are increasing numbers of toxicologists working in consulting firms, but this work requires considerable experience and a good reputation among your peers! • Geographically, jobs are widely available, but industrial and contract research work is concentrated in the South and Midlands. • Travel within a working day is occasionally needed but absence from home at night is uncommon. Travel within the U.S. and abroad may be necessary for collaborative work with other scientists or to attend scientific professional meetings and conferences.

6. Becoming a Toxicologist • In high school, take college-prep classes in reading, writing, mathematics, computer science and communication, along with courses in biology, chemistry, physics andenvironmental science if possible. • Knowledge of a foreign language is important for exchanging information in our global society. • Extra curricular activities such as science fairs and clubs build leadership experience. • Obtain employment or volunteer for a position in an organization that specializes in toxicology. • Make sure to keep records of your work experience and what duties you perform. • Join local and national scientific professional societies and participate in student-oriented events, regional and national meetings. All of these efforts will be repaid whether you enter the job market immediately after receiving your degree or pursue graduate study.

7. Career Resources The Society of Toxicology (SOT) 1767 Business Center Drive, Suite 320 Reston, VA 20190 Internet: http://www.toxicology.org Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) SETAC North America 1010 North 12th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32501-3367 Internet: http://www.setac.org US Environmental Protection Agency Ariel Rios Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 Internet: http://www.epa.gov