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TOXICOLOGIST
Job Title: TOXICOLOGIST
Job Code: 1838
FLSA: E
Job Level: 43
Revised Date: 02/01/2025
Job Family: JF 05
Occupational Summary
The Duke Toxicology Program at the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Division (OEM) provides toxicological evaluations and risk assessments for potentially hazardous substances in consumer and commercial arts and craft product formulations. Evaluations include an assessment for regulatory compliance against federal, state, and international laws regulating consumer product hazard labeling and worker hazard communication. In addition to expert toxicological judgment, the evaluation process includes the application of a Toxicology Data Base Management System (DMS). The DMS is an internally developed computerized expert system that applies toxicological risk assessment paradigms to produce confidential reports to clients. The DMS requires accurate input of qualitative and quantitative product information. Constituent data are acquired from laboratory analytical reports, published articles, proprietary research, and regulatory sources. The staff that supports the program requires specific skill sets and the ability to work with the DMS.
Using the DMS to review and evaluate product formulations and technical materials. This activity requires training in order to provide toxicological assessment of consumer products in accordance with US Federal consumer product regulations such as HSA/LHAMA/CPSA, Canadian Consumer Product regulations, and specific European Union consumer product regulations.
Work Performed
Toxicologist:
Utilize the DMS for evaluating and interpreting chemical formulations and product descriptions.
Convert and use information regarding analytical concentration data.
Utilize information provided in research reports regarding toxicological evaluations and risk assessments.
Use a risk assessment approach for toxicological evaluations and establishing threshold levels for exposure.
Maintain confidentiality regarding topics of proprietary origin and impact.
Utilize the computer data management system effectively.
Communicate effectively and amicably with group members, data suppliers and clients.
Establish professional interaction with several consumer product certifying organizations including their staff, technical committees and boards of directors.
Interact in an efficient manner with toxicology, technical, and administrative staff.
Senior Toxicologist:
In addition to the above-listed duties:
Approve product formulations and technical materials.
Assist in training and supervision of toxicologists and technical staff members.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Toxicologist & Senior Toxicologist:
Ph.D. in Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology or a related field.
Experience
Toxicologist:
Post-doctoral research training or involvement with some element of applied toxicology or a minimum of 2 years of experience in the practice of toxicology.
Senior Toxicologist:
Board Certification in Toxicology is required.
Post-doctoral research training or involvement with some element of applied toxicology or a minimum of 5 years of experience in the practice of toxicology.
Skills
Toxicologist:
Knowledge of toxicological principles and mechanisms (chemical and biological), dose determinants, and laboratory testing methods. Experience in applying toxicology and risk assessment principles. Experience with working in a technical/administrative team environment is a plus. Ability to learn DMS for evaluating and interpreting product formulations, technical materials, research reports, risk assessments, and computer data management system.
Senior Toxicologist:
At least 3 years of experience using the DMS or similar menu-driven microcomputer software for the toxicological evaluation of product formulations. Familiarity and experience consumer product safety reviews applying US Federal and State consumer product regulations (FHSA, CPSIA, State COC laws).
Knowledge of Canadian and European Union consumer product regulations is a plus.
Experience in the management of technical and professional staff is a plus.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
