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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Toxicology Technician

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

ScienceResearchLaboratoryHealthcareToxicology

🎯 Role Definition

As a Toxicology Technician, you will be the engine of our preclinical safety and toxicology studies. You are a hands-on, detail-oriented scientist responsible for executing critical laboratory procedures within a highly regulated (GLP) environment. Your work directly contributes to the safety assessment of new therapeutics and chemicals, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data that informs major development decisions. This role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare, procedural precision, and meticulous documentation. You'll collaborate with a dedicated team of scientists, veterinarians, and quality assurance professionals to advance vital research programs.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Laboratory Animal Technician
  • Research Assistant
  • Recent Graduate (Biology, Chemistry, Vet Tech)
  • Veterinary Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Toxicology Technician / Lead Technician
  • Research Associate, Toxicology
  • Study Coordinator
  • Toxicologist I

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist
  • Metrology / Laboratory Equipment Specialist
  • Vivarium Management

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute complex in-life study procedures, including precise dose administration across various routes (e.g., oral gavage, intravenous, subcutaneous, dermal) as dictated by study protocols.
  • Perform routine and specialized clinical observations, including monitoring for signs of toxicity, measuring body weights, and recording food consumption with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Conduct biological sample collection from various animal models, including blood collection (phlebotomy via multiple routes), urine collection, and other biofluids, while ensuring sample integrity.
  • Meticulously document all experimental data, observations, and procedural details in real-time using laboratory notebooks or electronic data capture systems (LIMS) in strict compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
  • Assist with and perform necropsy procedures, including organ weight measurement, gross pathology observation, and systematic collection and preservation of tissues for subsequent histopathological analysis.
  • Prepare and label test article formulations, reagents, and solutions, ensuring accurate concentrations and adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Operate, maintain, and calibrate a wide range of laboratory equipment, including balances, pipettes, centrifuges, and clinical analyzers, and troubleshoot minor instrument issues.
  • Adhere to all animal welfare regulations and guidelines (e.g., IACUC, AAALAC), ensuring the ethical and humane treatment of all laboratory animals under your care.
  • Review study protocols to ensure a thorough understanding of all study-related activities, timelines, and technical requirements prior to study initiation.
  • Perform data quality control (QC) checks to verify the accuracy and completeness of data entered into study records and databases.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment by following all safety protocols, handling hazardous materials correctly, and managing waste disposal.
  • Manage and track inventory of laboratory supplies, reagents, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure uninterrupted study conduct.
  • Assist senior scientific staff and Study Directors with the compilation of data for reports, summaries, and presentations.
  • Collect and process tissues for specialized endpoints, such as histology, clinical pathology, and biomarker analysis, ensuring proper fixation and storage.
  • Perform animal husbandry and environmental enrichment duties as needed to support the overall health and well-being of study animals.
  • Undergo continuous training on new techniques, SOPs, and regulatory standards to maintain proficiency and support departmental growth.
  • Prepare and package biological samples for internal analysis or shipment to external analytical laboratories, completing all necessary documentation.
  • Assist in the setup and teardown of study rooms and equipment, ensuring readiness for upcoming procedures and proper sanitization post-use.
  • Report any unforeseen circumstances, deviations from the protocol, or animal health concerns immediately to the Study Director and veterinary staff.
  • Participate in departmental and cross-functional team meetings, providing clear updates on study progress and technical activities.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist Study Directors and Senior Scientists with ad-hoc data compilation, quality checks, and preparation of study-related tables and summaries.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory processes by providing feedback on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and workflows.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Animal Care, Pathology, and Quality Assurance, to ensure seamless study execution and compliance.
  • Participate in pre-study meetings, protocol reviews, and departmental training sessions to ensure full understanding of study requirements and techniques.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Good Laboratory Practices (GLP): Deep understanding and practical experience working within a GLP-regulated environment.
  • In-Vivo Techniques: Proficiency in animal handling, dose administration (e.g., OG, IV, SC), and biological sample collection (phlebotomy).
  • Aseptic Technique: Skill in performing procedures in a sterile manner to prevent contamination of samples and formulations.
  • Necropsy & Histology: Experience with animal euthanasia, gross necropsy, organ collection, and tissue trimming/fixation.
  • Laboratory Equipment Operation: Competency in using, calibrating, and troubleshooting standard lab equipment like centrifuges, balances, and pipettes.
  • Data Documentation & LIMS: Meticulous record-keeping skills and experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or electronic data capture.
  • Animal Welfare Compliance: Knowledge of animal care standards and regulations (IACUC, AAALAC). AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, LATG) is a major plus.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail: Ability to perform tasks with precision and accuracy, minimizing errors in a fast-paced setting.
  • Time Management & Organization: Skilled at prioritizing multiple tasks and managing workflows to meet strict study deadlines.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying procedural issues or deviations and suggesting effective solutions.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively within a diverse scientific team.
  • Written & Verbal Communication: Ability to clearly document technical procedures and communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Veterinary Technology, Biotechnology) or a High School Diploma with equivalent experience.

Preferred Education:

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

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Toxicology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Veterinary Technology
  • Animal Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-3 years of hands-on experience in a laboratory, animal research, or veterinary clinic setting.

Preferred:

  • 1+ years of direct experience conducting toxicology or other safety studies in a GLP-regulated Contract Research Organization (CRO) or pharmaceutical environment. AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, or LATG) is highly desirable.
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