Toxicology can be defined as the discipline which studies the harmful effects of chemical and physical agents (toxic agents) on biological systems, and one which also establishes the extent of the damage caused by the exposure of living organisms to these agents. The professional toxicologist studies the safety of drugs, foodstuffs and other substances. The work of a toxicologist consists of planning, directing and interpreting laboratory and field studies and to identify and assess the toxic effects of a broad range of substances and materials, such as, for example, the safety of new chemicals destined to pharmaceutical use, agricultural products, groceries and other consumer products. The professional toxicologist operates in an environment which includes biopharmaceutical laboratories, technical-scientific services and public safety institutions, analysing potential toxic effects, whether in-vitro (in cell cultures) or in-vivo (in animals).

• Plan and carry out safety experiments required by law and agencies (Spanish Medication Agency, European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration) to authorise the registration and commercialisation of drugs, animal health products and some cosmetic and nutrition products (functional foods).
• Design and carry out preclinical trials involving animals or in vitro systems, using bacterial, cell or tissue cultures. Also involved in clinical trial sample analysis.
• Carry out histopathological analyses of biological samples and maintain contact with laboratories and analysis technicians to obtain additional results.
• Gather statistical data regarding the assessment and carry out an analysis of potential risks, subsequently issuing the relevant advisory reports.
• Operate under quality assurance and control regulations GLP and GCP (Good Laboratory and Clinical Practice, respectively) in the case of laboratory biopharmacists, and under ISO regulations in the case of environmental matters or other.
• Lead and coordinate a team of laboratory assistants, supervising the fulfillment of regulations and data collection.
• Maintain permanent contact with those in charge of quality and regulatory matters to ensure adherence to regulations and experiment design, as well as with physicians and clinical staff in order to gain an in-depth knowledge of pathologies and know how to extrapolate symptoms and test conclusions.
• Publish articles in specialised journals and attend specific conferences.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Biologia
• Grau: Farmàcia
• Grau: Medicina
• Grau: Química

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Initiative: Level 2

Communication: Level 2

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 3

Analytical thought: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 3

Scientific research

Individuals who have an affinity for the field of scientific research focus their interest on activities that study different types of organisms and substances in order to obtain valuable products for human beings. A key part of performing this task is the planning and verification of scientific hypotheses through the use of different research designs and techniques. The objective of these searches is the development of new medicines and medical techniques, technological innovation based on the manipulation of cells, molecules and biological agents, as well as the study of cultures in order to improve the characteristics and properties of plants and food.

Environment

People who work in this field focus their professional interests on the preservation, improvement or restoration of the environment (vegetation, fauna, flora) in both built-up areas and natural spaces. Some of the activities that represent this field are the detection, analysis and control of pollutants, the carrying out of measurements and tests in relation to climatic or environmental variables and the reduction of the harmful effects of human activity on the environment. The carrying out of these activities requires knowledge of the environment, for its planning and use, and of environmental regulations.

Medical writer

Crystallography technician

Clinical trial monitor

Drug development technician.

Person in charge of regulatory affairs

• Work hours

  The working day can be part- or full-time.

• Salary

  Average gross salaries range 45,000 to 60,000 Euros per annum in the case of large and small businesses, and between 50,000 and 75,000 Euros per annum in major companies.

• Professional category

  Technician