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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Toxicology Assistant

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

Life SciencesLaboratoryToxicologyResearchHealthcare

🎯 Role Definition

A Toxicology Assistant is a foundational member of the scientific team, providing essential hands-on support for non-clinical safety and toxicity studies. This role is the engine room of the toxicology department, responsible for the precise execution of laboratory procedures, meticulous data collection, and a steadfast commitment to regulatory compliance. Working under the guidance of senior scientists and study directors, the assistant ensures that all study-related activities are performed to the highest standards of quality and ethical conduct. This position is critical for generating the reliable data that informs safety assessments for new pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and consumer products, directly contributing to public health and safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent Bachelor of Science Graduate (Biology, Chemistry, etc.)
  • Laboratory Intern / Co-op
  • Animal Care Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Toxicology Technician / Research Associate
  • Toxicologist / Scientist I
  • Study Director (with advanced degree/experience)

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Regulatory Affairs Assistant
  • Metrology / Lab Equipment Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute precise specimen accessioning, including receiving, logging, and verifying samples (e.g., blood, urine, tissue) in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
  • Perform a wide range of in-vitro and in-vivo toxicology study procedures in strict accordance with study protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Prepare complex reagents, test article formulations, and control standards with exceptional accuracy for use in analytical and biological assays.
  • Operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance on sophisticated laboratory instrumentation such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and automated immunoassay analyzers.
  • Meticulously document all experimental procedures, raw data, and observations in real-time using electronic or hard-copy laboratory notebooks.
  • Assist in the conduct of pre-clinical studies, which may include animal handling, dosing (e.g., oral gavage, injection), and clinical observations under ethical guidelines.
  • Collect and process biological samples from study subjects at designated time points, ensuring sample integrity and proper storage.
  • Prepare slides for histopathological review by performing tissue trimming, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining according to established protocols.
  • Conduct various laboratory assays, such as ELISAs, enzyme activity assays, and biomarker analyses, following detailed procedural documents.
  • Uphold an impeccable laboratory environment by adhering to all safety protocols, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a clean workspace.
  • Monitor and record environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) in laboratories and animal facilities to ensure study integrity.
  • Perform and document daily quality control checks on equipment and reagents to guarantee the reliability and accuracy of generated data.
  • Handle, label, and manage the disposal of hazardous chemical and biological waste in full compliance with institutional and federal regulations.
  • Perform data entry of study results into databases and LIMS, often conducting a primary review for completeness and accuracy.
  • Assist with necropsy procedures, including organ weight collection, tissue harvesting, and macroscopic examinations as directed by a pathologist or senior scientist.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the management of laboratory inventory, including tracking supplies, ordering reagents, and ensuring adequate stock of critical materials.
  • Contribute to the drafting, review, and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new and existing laboratory techniques.
  • Support senior staff in the tabulation and summarization of study data for inclusion in final reports, presentations, and regulatory submissions.
  • Prepare and archive study-related documentation, specimens, and data sets to comply with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and internal retention policies.
  • Participate actively in both internal and external regulatory audits (e.g., FDA, EPA) by retrieving documents and explaining procedural steps.
  • Aid in troubleshooting basic instrumentation malfunctions and procedural deviations, documenting all corrective actions taken.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Animal Care, Pathology, and Quality Assurance to ensure seamless coordination of study activities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Good Laboratory Practice (GLP): Deep understanding and practical experience working within a GLP-regulated environment is paramount.
  • Aseptic & Sterile Technique: Proficiency in techniques to prevent contamination during sample preparation and cell culture work.
  • Sample Preparation: Expertise in preparing biological matrices (blood, plasma, tissue) for analysis, including extraction and derivatization.
  • Analytical Instrumentation: Hands-on experience with operating and maintaining equipment like LC-MS, GC-MS, or automated clinical analyzers.
  • Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS): Competency in using LIMS for sample tracking, data entry, and results management.
  • Animal Handling & Dosing: (If applicable) Proficiency in ethical animal handling, restraint, and various dosing techniques (e.g., oral gavage, intravenous).

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional ability to notice minute details and prevent errors in documentation and execution.
  • Organizational Skills: The capacity to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain a highly organized workspace and workflow.
  • Procedural Adherence: A disciplined approach to following complex, multi-step protocols and SOPs without deviation.
  • Communication Skills: Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for documenting work and collaborating with the team.
  • Problem-Solving Acumen: The ability to identify issues, think critically, and contribute to finding effective solutions for lab-related challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree in a scientific field, coupled with relevant laboratory experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Toxicology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry
  • Animal Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-3 years of hands-on experience in a biological or chemical laboratory setting.

Preferred:

  • At least 1 year of experience working directly in a GLP-compliant contract research organization (CRO) or pharmaceutical/biotech toxicology lab is highly advantageous.
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