Toxicologists plan and carry out laboratory and field studies to identify, monitor and evaluate the impact of toxic materials and radiation on human and animal health and on the environment, as well as the impact of future technology.
Toxicology can be divided into eight distinct job areas: industrial, pharmaceutical, academic, clinical, forensic, regulatory, occupational, eco-toxicology.
Toxicologists’ work typically includes isolating, identifying and quantifying toxic substances or radiation, and/or any harmful effects they have on people, animals, plants or ecosystems. They plan, carry out and interpret laboratory and field experiments or observations of plants and animals, and/or on in vivo or in vitro systems, using bacteria or tissue culture.
Toxicologists liaise with other scientists and technicians, evaluating statistical data and risk analyzes. They write reports and scientific papers, present findings, and in the case of forensic work, give evidence in court.
They evaluate the safety of new chemicals in pharmaceutical products, toiletries, other consumer products, packaging and industrial chemicals. Chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agrochemical companies involve toxicologists in all stages of product development, either within their own facilities or through research organizations.
They may also be required to advise people over the telephone in cases where someone has taken a dangerous drug or chemical, as well as test bodily fluids to identify and measure levels of drugs and chemicals.
Satisfying Aspects
- employment is quite widely available
- interesting field
- usually normal working hours
- working with other professionals
Demanding aspects
- having to keep up constantly with the technical advances in the field
- having to wear safety protection
- may have to do a lot of travelling
- being on call, at certain institutions
Requirements
- be a good planner and organiser
- enjoy working as part of a team
- have scientific aptitude
- be naturally inquisitive and innovative
- have good manual dexterity
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Degree: BSc - subjects such as Physiology, Microbiology, Genetics, Anatomical Pathology, at universities such as UFS, UNISA, UP, Wits, US, UJ.
Employer
- educational institutions
- chemical, drug manufacturing industry
- contract research companies
- forensic and civil laboratories
- medical research industry
- hospitals
- civil service
- water research centres
- private consultancy
Contact
Toxicology Society of South Africa
P O Box 4788
Johannesburg, 2000
www.toxsa.up.ac.za