What skills does a toxicologist need?

A toxicologist needs 48 essential skills including life sciences, analytical chemistry, scientific literature, laboratory techniques, cancer risks. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace toxicologist jobs?

The AI disruption score for toxicologist is 27/100 (low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Science & ResearchScience and engineering professionalsISCO 2131

toxicologist

Toxicologists study the effects that chemical substances or biological and physical agents have in living organisms, more specifically, on the environment and on the animal and human health. They determine doses of the exposure to substances for arising toxic effects in environments, people, and living organisms, and also perform experiments on animals and cell cultures.

About toxicologist

As a toxicologist, you will investigate how chemical substances and biological agents affect living organisms and the environment. Your work involves designing and conducting experiments using animal models and cell cultures to understand toxic effects, determining safe exposure levels, and assessing risks to human health and ecosystems. You will spend considerable time in laboratory settings, analyzing data, reviewing scientific literature, and documenting your findings in detailed reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Your day-to-day responsibilities include performing laboratory tests, operating sophisticated analytical equipment, managing research databases, and collaborating with other scientists and regulatory professionals. You may advise organizations on reducing chemical exposure, evaluate the safety of new compounds, and contribute to the development of environmental and occupational health standards. This role is critical for protecting public health and ensuring that industrial chemicals are used responsibly.

The field of toxicology in Poland is growing as industries face stricter environmental regulations and companies increasingly prioritize worker and consumer safety. Career prospects are strong, with opportunities in pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, government agencies, and environmental organizations. Your expertise will be valued across multiple sectors including chemical manufacturing, food safety, and pharmaceutical development.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a toxicologist.

Conduct Toxicological Studies

Design experimental protocols using animal models and cell cultures to assess chemical toxicity
Perform laboratory tests including dose-response studies and safety assessments
Monitor and record physiological responses and adverse effects in test organisms

Analyze Research Data

Interpret complex toxicological data using statistical and analytical methods
Manage and organize research databases documenting exposure levels, results, and findings
Use open source and specialized software for data processing and visualization

Document and Disseminate Results

Draft scientific and academic papers meeting publication standards
Prepare technical documentation and reports for regulatory and organizational review
Present findings to scientific communities through conferences and seminars

Provide Expert Advice

Advise organizations and industries on reducing chemical exposure and health risks
Evaluate cancer risks and other adverse health effects of chemical substances
Interact professionally with regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders

Maintain Laboratory Operations

Properly mix, handle, and store chemicals following safety protocols
Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure accurate results
Evaluate research activities and quality assurance procedures

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (48)

life scienceslife sciencesThe study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms.analytical chemistryanalytical chemistryInstruments and methods used to separate, identify and quantify matter-the chemical components of natural and artificial materials and solutions.scientific literaturescientific literatureThe medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of ...laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.cancer riskscancer risksThe risk factors related to cancer such as smoking, HIV, radiation, obesity, alcohol, environmental causes and diet.toxicologytoxicologyThe negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.perform toxicological studiesperform toxicological studiesPerform tests to detect poisons or drug misuse and help to monitor therapy by using chemical reagents, enzymes, radioisotopes and antibodies to detect abnormal chemical concentrations in the body.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...advise on chemical use reductionadvise on chemical use reductionProvide advice to reduce the use of chemicals such as pesticides, the emissions of various chemical substances to limit their impact on the environment, as well as shorten their risk for people. Keep ...perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.mix chemicalsmix chemicalsMix chemical substances safely according to recipe, using the proper dosages.maintain laboratory equipmentmaintain laboratory equipmentClean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.perform chemical experimentsperform chemical experimentsPerform chemical experiments with the aim of testing various products and substances in order to draw conclusions in terms of product viability and replicability.advise on poisoning incidentsadvise on poisoning incidentsAdvise patients or other medical staff on how to handle overdose and poisoning intake in the most efficient manner.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.apply safety procedures in laboratoryapply safety procedures in laboratoryMake sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.calibrate laboratory equipmentcalibrate laboratory equipmentCalibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment....apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.gather experimental datagather experimental dataCollect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...identify poisonsidentify poisonsIdentify poisons, or any chemical that kills or injures an organism. This includes toxins, poisons produced by living organisms, such as microorganisms, plants, or animals.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.use chemical analysis equipmentuse chemical analysis equipmentUse the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...

Optional (36)

biological chemistrybiological chemistryBiological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.pharmacologypharmacologyPharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.public healthpublic healthThe principles of health and sickness affecting the population, including the means for health promotion and prevention and community and primary care.multidisciplinary researchmultidisciplinary researchThe research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it.conduct research on floraconduct research on floraCollect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.write research proposalswrite research proposalsSynthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the ...prepare lesson contentprepare lesson contentPrepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.assist in clinical trialsassist in clinical trialsWork with fellow scientists on clinical trials in order to improve medical methods for preventing, detecting, diagnosing, or treating diseases.perform lecturesperform lecturesPresent lectures to various groups.collect samples for analysiscollect samples for analysisCollect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.analyse blood samplesanalyse blood samplesAnalyse blood samples using computer-aided and manual techniques, looking for white or red blood cell abnormalities and other risk factors.assist police investigationsassist police investigationsAssist in police investigations by providing them with specialised information as a professional involved in the case, or by providing witness accounts, in order to ensure the police have all relevant...analyse environmental dataanalyse environmental dataAnalyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.develop scientific theoriesdevelop scientific theoriesFormulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.test samples for pollutantstest samples for pollutantsMeasure concentrations of pollutants within samples. Calculate air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes. Identify potential safety or health risks such as radiation.develop scientific research protocolsdevelop scientific research protocolsDevelop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.prepare compliance documentsprepare compliance documentsPrepare documents with legal value which prove that an installation or a facility is conform to the regulations.archive scientific documentationarchive scientific documentationStore documents such as protocols, analysis results and scientific data using archiving systems to enable scientists and engineers to take methods and results from previous studies into account for th...apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.troubleshoot cosmetics formula issuestroubleshoot cosmetics formula issuesTroubleshoot the unstable formulas, scalling-up issues in order to ensure stability and a high quality end product that conforms to specifications.recommend product improvementsrecommend product improvementsRecommend product modifications, new features or accessories to keep customers interested.provide technical expertiseprovide technical expertiseProvide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.provide specialist pharmaceutical adviceprovide specialist pharmaceutical adviceProvide specialist information and advice on medicinal products such as the appropriate use, the adverse reactions and the interactions with other medications.manage adverse reactions to drugsmanage adverse reactions to drugsAnalyse and manage adverse reactions to drugs such as general and local anaesthetics and antibiotics, describing the principles of drug challenge and desensitisation to the allergic patient and provid...conduct experiments on animalsconduct experiments on animalsTest medicines and other product on animals in order to discover their effects.develop pharmaceutical drugsdevelop pharmaceutical drugsDevelop new therapeutic products according to the potential formulas, studies and indications recorded during the research process which involved also collaboration with physicians, biochemists and ph...advise on legislative actsadvise on legislative actsAdvise officials in a legislature on the propositioning of new bills and the consideration of items of legislation.assess environmental impactassess environmental impactMonitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation's environmental risks while taking costs into account.contribute to registration of pharmaceutical productscontribute to registration of pharmaceutical productsParticipate in the registration process that allows the sale and distribution of substances that treat or prevent human and animal diseases or enable medical diagnosis.conduct research on faunaconduct research on faunaCollect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.report on environmental issuesreport on environmental issuesCompile environmental reports and communicate on issues. Inform the public or any interested parties in a given context on relevant recent developments in the environment, forecasts on the future of t...control productioncontrol productionPlan, coordinate, and direct all production activities to insure the goods are made on time, in correct order, of adequate quality and composition, starting from intake goods up to shipping.analyse cell culturesanalyse cell culturesAnalyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.develop patient treatment strategiesdevelop patient treatment strategiesConsult with fellow doctors and scientists in order to find the appropriate and most effective treatment for each individual patient.