Toxicologist

As a Toxicologist you assess the potential harmful effects of chemicals, drugs, pesticides and environmental contaminants on living organisms and ecosystems. Your day-to-day work involves designing and conducting laboratory experiments, analysing biological and chemical samples, and interpreting data to evaluate health and safety risks. You prepare detailed risk assessment reports for clients, regulatory bodies, or government agencies, drawing conclusions about safe exposure levels and potential hazards. You collaborate closely with pharmacologists, environmental scientists, regulatory affairs specialists, and public health professionals across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food safety and environmental protection.

A strong Leaving Certificate with Higher Level Chemistry, Biology and Maths provides the best foundation for entry into this field. You would typically complete an NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline such as Toxicology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or Chemistry at institutions such as UCD, UCC, TCD or University of Galway. Entry to the profession at a practising level almost always requires a Level 9 Masters degree or a Level 10 PhD, particularly for research or regulatory roles, as the extra context indicates a senior NFQ 9 entry point is typical. Postgraduate programmes in Toxicology, Regulatory Science or Environmental Science are offered at several Irish universities and can also be accessed through Springboard+ for career changers. Professional development is supported by membership of bodies such as the British and Irish Toxicology Society or the Society of Toxicology, though statutory registration is not currently required in Ireland.