toxicologist
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by the impact of chemicals and other agents on living organisms? As a toxicologist, you’ll play a crucial role in safeguarding human and environmental health by assessing risks and developing safety protocols.
Toxicologists are scientific experts who investigate the adverse effects of chemical, biological, and physical substances on living systems. Your work involves a blend of laboratory research, data analysis, and strategic planning to protect people and the environment. This career band (5 - Leadership & Strategy) often involves leading teams and shaping safety policies within organizations.
- • Conducting experiments on animals and cell cultures to assess the toxicity of substances.
- • Analyzing data and interpreting results to determine safe exposure levels for humans and the environment.
- • Developing and implementing safety protocols and risk management strategies.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Ireland, Italy, Slovenia.
Longest-running shortage: Ireland, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could toxicologist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Future Outlook for toxicologist
The outlook for toxicologist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could toxicologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could toxicologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- work safely with chemicals
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- manage open publications
- perform toxicological studies
- demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Tasks most exposed to automation
- gather experimental data
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Healthcare & Human Services
A typical day as a toxicologist
09 09:00 · Morning advise on poisoning incidents
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply safety procedures in laboratory
12 12:00 · Midday identify poisons
14 14:00 · Afternoon manage intellectual property rights
15 15:30 · Late afternoon operate open source software
17 17:00 · Wrap-up work safely with chemicals
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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cancer risks
The risk factors related to cancer such as smoking, HIV, radiation, obesity, alcohol, environmental causes and diet.
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biological chemistry
Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
- analytical chemistry
- laboratory techniques
- life sciences
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, 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 necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct 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 achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
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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.
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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.
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use chemical analysis equipment
Use the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.
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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.
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work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
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gather experimental data
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
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synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
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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.
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manage research data
Produce 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 familiar with open data management principles.
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advise on chemical use reduction
Provide 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 up to date with regulations and policies in the field.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does toxicologist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of educational background is typically required to become a toxicologist?
- A strong foundation in science is essential. Most toxicologists hold a Master’s degree or a PhD in toxicology, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Coursework often includes biochemistry, pharmacology, and environmental science.
- Are toxicologists primarily employed in laboratory settings?
- While laboratory work is a significant component, toxicologists also spend time analyzing data, writing reports, and collaborating with other professionals. This role is primarily employment-based, often within government agencies, research institutions, or the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
- What are some of the key skills a successful toxicologist needs?
- Beyond scientific knowledge, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are vital. The ability to work independently and as part of a team, along with strategic thinking and leadership capabilities, are also important, reflecting the Leadership & Strategy career band.
- Toxicologist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 6 of the 9 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Germany, Greece and 2 more. 3 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Toxicologist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $100,590 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $49,650 to $136,990. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.