Toxicologists

Toxicologists gain experience through internships and entry-level roles. They must be hard workers and be dedicated to their field of study. To succeed in their work, they must be careful observers and have an eye for detail. Patience is also necessary, since many research projects can last months to years and show little results. The ability to work both alone and as part of a team is also needed for research.

Because of the nature of their work, toxicologists must also realize the potential dangers of working with hazardous materials. They must also be comfortable working with laboratory animals and be able to dissect them to examine organs and tissues. Efforts have been made to limit and control live animal experimentation, but research still requires their use to identify toxins and, in turn, protect the consumer public.