Profession 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.
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Personality Type
- Investigative / Realistic
- Investigative / Artistic
- Investigative / Social
Knowledge
- Analytical chemistry
Instruments and methods used to separate, identify and quanitfy matter - the chemical components of natural and artificial materials and solutions.
- Toxicology
The negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.
- Scientific research methodology
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
- Laboratory techniques
Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.
Skills
- Maintain laboratory equipment
Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
- Perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
- Calibrate laboratory equipment
Calibrate 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. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.
- Apply safety procedures in laboratory
Make 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.
- Gather experimental data
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
- Apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
- Perform chemical experiments
Perform chemical experiments with the aim of testing various products and substances in order to draw conclusions in terms of product viability and replicability.
- Mix chemicals
Mix chemical substances safely according to recipe, using the proper dosages.
- Perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
- Work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
- Perform toxicological studies
Perform 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.
- Use chemical analysis equipment
Use the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.