Forensic Toxicologist Careers
What is a forensic toxicologist?1 A forensic toxicologist is a person that uses toxicology and other disciplines such as analytical chemistry, pharmacology and clinical chemistry to help investigate a death, poisoning, and drug use.1 So basically, they perform tests on bodily fluids and tissue samples to identify any drugs or chemicals
present in the body.1 They may identify alcohol, illegal or prescription drugs, chemicals, poisons, metals, and gases.1 A forensic toxicologist works in a lab.1 This type of work requires a lot of patients, and the ability to follow steps to get the right results.1This job has grown to include drug testing for employers and traffic enforcement, testing animal samples for investigators, testing for date rape drugs and steroids.1 This job may also work on cases of environmental contamination to determine the impact of chemical spills.Forensic toxicologists are important.1 Investigators rely on them for reliable conclusion about chemicals and their impact on individuals.1
To gain a forensic toxicology career, you must have a bachelor's degree in physical science and a solid background in chemistry and coursework in pharmacology.1 There are some programs that offer a master's to a PhD.
Forensic toxicologist jobs exist in many different places.1 Forensic Toxicologists work in laboratories for the police or law enforcement, as well as medical examiner laboratories, and workplace drug testing laboratories.1 There are also toxicology careers available in hospitals, universities and industry laboratories, and agencies that monitor drug use in sports.1 A forensic toxicologist salary ranges from $35,000 to $64,000 a year.