Thursday, May 23, 2013

How To Become A Consulting Toxicology Professional

By Vicki Diaz


A number of people may find toxicology to be an interesting career. Perhaps because it involves the study of a variety of subjects, including medicine, chemistry and biology. The work would involve conducting research to see the negative or positive reactions that living creatures have to chemicals. A person in this career will work at a consulting toxicology firm, and will be required to deal with treatments, symptoms and poisoning.

Experiments and research projects are part of a toxicologist's job, in order to assess the properties of all kinds of chemical substances. The outcome of the experiments will determine the substances which are harmful, the effect of the harmful substance or the amount of substance that will have negative consequences. Toxicology is important for analysis of environmental conditions, as well as for indicating the safety of pharmaceutical drugs on the market.

A person involved in this field of study could work in different environments. All will monitor the properties of chemicals and their consequences, but an aquatic toxicologist will deal with water substances, and a forensic toxicologist will deal with the harmful substances found in crime scenes. The job of different types of toxicologists will therefore vary.

A number of study years are required to qualify as a toxicologist. The individual will need to learn chemistry, biology and physics, as well as skills relating to public relations. The person should be mathematically inclined, able to understand calculus and statistics. A master, or even a doctorate degree in toxicology is ideal.

In order to efficiently learn the duties of a toxicologist, a student will need hands-on experience. Experience is usually obtained from work-study programs or internship courses. First-hand experience of toxicology procedures will help the student to secure his ideal job opportunity. It is also advantageous for aspiring toxicologists and toxicologists who are already in the field, to stay abreast of the latest technology and to continue their studies.

This type of career has potential. There are many openings for medical scientists available, as the profession is growing at a fast pace. Environmental and health issues will continue to be of interest, and will always require professionals for their research.

A toxicologist can expect to earn a salary of between $55,000 and $82,000 annually. The more experienced toxicologists, however, at the top of their field, may earn up to $95,000 per year. More jobs will also be available as people leave their position for reasons of retirement or other opportunities.

A few personality traits are helpful in this type of career. If you are patient, determined, responsible and a 'team player', it will be advantageous. Toxicologists are also often left to work on their own, therefore, you will need to be able to take the initiative. Good hand-eye coordination is required as well. You must be interested in the study of toxic materials, and be willing to follow strict safety precautions.

A consulting toxicology firm may be interested in your skills if you are particularly affluent in maths and science, and have experience with various types of experiments to do with toxicology. The job will be satisfying, as it involves helping mankind and the environment. It is also interesting; always with a variety of tasks that need to be performed.




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