Toxicologists

Skilled toxicologists find many advancement opportunities, although specific promotions depend on the size and type of organization where the toxicologist is employed. Those employed at private companies may become heads of research departments. Highly skilled and respected toxicologists may become vice presidents or presidents of companies because of their involvement in developing important company policy. This type of promotion entails a change in job responsibilities, involving more administrative tasks than research activities.

Toxicologists working for educational institutions may become professors, heads of a department, or deans. Toxicologists who want to continue to research and teach can advance to positions with higher pay and increased job responsibilities. Toxicologists working at universities usually write grant proposals, teach courses, and train graduate students. University positions often do not pay as well as industrial positions, but they offer more independence in pursuing research interests.