Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Toxicologist- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Working Life
Toxicologists study the harm chemicals may cause to people, animals and plants. They find ways to avoid or reduce chemical damage to the environment.
Toxicology covers two main areas. One deals with the effects that toxic materials have on humans, and the other with their impact on the environment.
Toxicologists experiment on tissue and cell cultures, animals and human volunteers, to find out if a chemical product is harmful. In pharmaceutical companies, toxicologists help develop new drugs to fight disease. They find out how strong the drug is, and if there are unwanted or dangerous side effects. In the food industry, they may test an additive to make sure it does not cause cancer.
Occupational and industrial toxicologists make sure working conditions are safe and give advice to people who handle chemicals.
Other toxicologists work in hospitals, treating patients who have drug poisoning. They find out the type and amount of drug taken in an overdose.
Toxicologists might look at air pollution caused by the burning of waste, or research the problems some pesticides cause for wildlife.
One area of investigation is the effect chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have on the Earth's stratospheric osone layer.
Some toxicologists specialise in ecology. They may trace the movement of pollutants through food chains, or investigate resistance to pesticides in certain insects. They isolate, identify and quantify toxic substances. They also carry out lab and field experiments and advise on the safe handling of toxic substances.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
- Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Prepare and analyse organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
- Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analysing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
- Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
- Write and publish articles in scientific journals.
- Write applications for research grants.
- Standardise drug dosages, methods of immunisation, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
- Study animal and human health and physiological processes.
Qualities - Toxicologist
You will need to be accurate, methodical and able to solve problems. You must be aware of the ethical debate on using animals in scientific research, and be prepared for criticism and protest from members of the public and animal rights groups.
Because toxicologists often handle poisonous materials, you will need to know and follow safety procedures.
Computer skills are essential and keeping up-to-date with technology is important. You must be able to write reports of your findings and be able to work with other scientists. Knowledge of environmental issues may be an advantage.
Interests - Toxicologist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Toxicologist
Toxicologists are usually graduates. At undergraduate level, toxicology is normally combined with subjects like biochemistry and pharmacology. Specialist courses are also available. If you want to specialise in environmental toxicology, it may be a good idea to do a pollution studies course. Specialist courses are also available in waste management and pesticide science.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: laboratory assistant, general management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: applied science, pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, applied laboratory science, laboratory techniques, biomedical, pharmaceutical science, biotechnology.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Lab Technician, Lab Analyst.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: chemical and biochemical engineering, biological and chemical sciences, science, chemistry, chemical sciences, pharmacology, animal bioscience, applied biology, nutrition, health science.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: toxicology, management, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, therapeutics structured.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Pay & Salary - Toxicologist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €65k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Brightwater/ CPL/ Sigmar
Last Updated: August, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Toxicologist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists, Biological scientists and biochemists, Physical scientists, Social and humanities scientists, Natural and social science professionals n.e.c., Research and development managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
Average annual employment growth over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, although employment levels remained unchanged between 2022 and 2023. At 26%, the share of non-Irish citizens employed in this occupation was above the national average. Despite a fall in the number of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) in 2023, scientists were the fifth most frequently occurring occupation across all online job adverts.
Employment permits issued were across various roles in industry and health including bio-process associates, QC chemists, and medical scientists. The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues with recruiting process/analytical scientists and microbiologists, while Skills for Growth data identified the need for skills in good manufacturing practices (GMP), quality and validation. The number of biochemistry and chemistry awards made at third level has been growing annually for several years and reached nearly 900 and 1,000 awards respectively in 2022 (up from 580 and 800 in 2018). Similarly, the number of awards made in medical or pharma/bio-pharma fields grew to 1,400 (up from 1,300 in 2018).
A high level of demand for these occupations remains evident, with shortages expected to persist, particularly in the life sciences sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas.
Useful Contacts - Toxicologist
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Smart Futures
- Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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- Click Here
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Science Foundation Ireland
