Duke University Job Descriptions

Duke Job Postings

To see if there are current openings for any of the job descriptions listed on this web site, please search Duke Jobs.

TOXICOLOGIST

Job Title: TOXICOLOGIST
Job Code: 1838
FLSA: E
Job Level: 78
Revised Date: 06/29/2018
Job Family: JF 05

~ Printer-Friendly Version ~

Occupational Summary

The Duke Occupational and Environmental Medicine Division (OEM) Toxicology Program provides toxicological risk assessments for hazardous substances in consumer and commercial products, and evaluates formulations for product safety. Evaluations include an assessment for compliance with 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 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 published articles, from proprietary research, and from regulatory sources. The staff that supports the program require specific skill sets and the ability to work with the DMS. The OEM Toxicology Program is offering a position for a Toxicologist.

Work Performed

The Toxicologist will review and approve product formulations and technical materials. This activity requires the capacity to:

Provide toxicological assessment of consumer products in accordance with US Federal consumer product regulations such as FHSA/LHAMA/CPSA, Canadian Consumer Product regulations, and specific European Union consumer product regulations. More specifically:

Interpret and evaluate chemical formulations and product descriptions.

Convert and use information regarding analytical concentration data.

Interpret and 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.

Ability to learn and utilize the computer data management system effectively.

Communicate effectively and amicably with data suppliers and clients' representatives.

Maintain professional interaction with several consumer product certifying organizations including their staff, technical committees and boards of directors.

Interact in an efficient manner with office and academic staff.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training

Requires a Ph.D. in Toxicology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology or a related field. Board Certification in Toxicology is required (current eligibility will be considered).

Experience

Post-doctoral research training or involvement with some element of applied toxicology and a minimum of 5 years of experience in the practice of toxicology. A non-laboratory/ non-research application and a minimum of 5 years of experience in the practice of toxicology will also be considered.

Skills

Familiarity and facility with use of menu-driven microcomputer software. Knowledge of toxicological principles and mechanisms (chemical and biological), dose determinants, and laboratory testing methods.

Experience applying risk assessment to the evaluation of consumer products.

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 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.