Senior Regulatory Toxicologist (Toxicologist 3)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Ecology is hiring a Senior Regulatory Toxicologist (Toxicologist 3) in the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program. Based at the Headquarters Office in Lacey, Washington, the position requires living within commuting distance of the duty station. The position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options, with at least two office days per month; schedules may change based on position needs. The Senior Regulatory Toxicologist serves as the program’s senior regulatory subject matter expert, providing toxicological leadership for identifying, evaluating, and reducing threats from high-priority chemicals used in commerce. The role guides the scientific direction of the Safer Products for Washington initiative, leads complex hazard evaluations, and translates emerging research into policy recommendations that support protection of human health and the environment. The position directs toxicology work by Ecology staff and collaborates with scientific partners at the Washington Department of Health. Working with program leadership, the incumbent evaluates emerging science, regulatory developments, and legislative proposals; communicates findings to technical and non-technical audiences; and helps build consensus on policy and regulatory decisions. The work informs statewide toxics-reduction strategies, rulemaking, and program planning, ensuring actions are grounded in rigorous analysis and the best available science.

Requirements

Ten years of experience and/or education related to the position duties, in the qualifying combinations described in the posting.
Education involving a major study in toxicology, reproductive and developmental biology, or another health- or ecology-related science with a major emphasis in toxicology.
Ability to apply toxicology and public health knowledge to assess human and ecological health impacts of priority chemicals and chemical classes, including impacts on sensitive populations and species.
Skill in reviewing and interpreting state and federal environmental laws, rules, and scientific policy documents to inform program decisions and recommended regulatory actions.
Ability to identify health and ecological risk implications of proposed legislation and regulatory developments and support bill analysis, testimony preparation, and agency strategy.
Ability to communicate complex scientific and toxicological information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, including agency leaders and legislators.
Experience leading and coordinating scientific work, assigning and reviewing technical tasks, and guiding cross-disciplinary staff and interagency partners.
Ability to research, develop, and apply hazard- and exposure-based frameworks to identify and prioritize chemicals of concern, distinct from a risk-assessment approach.
Competency in designing, conducting, or reviewing scientific research, evaluating uncertainty, and applying sound methodology to hazard, exposure, or risk analyses.
Ability to assess the rigor, quality, uncertainty, and applicability of toxicological and exposure studies relevant to Washington.
Ability to represent the program to the Legislature, agencies, Tribes, and the public; serve as an agency liaison or spokesperson; and build consensus among parties with diverse interests.

Nice To Haves

Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT) or similar certification, either already held or willingness to obtain certification.
Experience in chemical hazard assessments, alternatives assessments, chemical risk evaluations, exposure assessments, health impact assessments, or green chemistry.
Experience with toxicology tools, models, and chemical database systems such as ToxCast.
Awareness of or involvement with toxicology professional organizations, such as the Society of Toxicology (SOT), Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), or other professional networks.

Responsibilities

Provide senior toxicological expertise and policy guidance for toxics-reduction initiatives, including identifying and evaluating priority chemicals that may affect human health and the environment.
Lead the scientific framework for Safer Products for Washington by developing hazard criteria, evaluating toxicological and exposure data, and directing research that informs chemical prioritization and recommended regulatory actions.
Assign, guide, and review technical work by toxicologists within Ecology and the Washington Department of Health, ensuring scientific quality, consistency, and clarity.
Conduct and oversee toxicological assessments identifying major sources of exposure in consumer products, and recommend regulatory options, reporting requirements, or restrictions under Chapter 70.365 RCW.
Represent Ecology as a senior scientific expert in briefings, legislative hearings, interagency meetings, national workgroups, and public forums; communicate complex findings clearly.
Analyze state and federal regulatory developments, scientific literature, and emerging research to assess implications for Washington’s strategy and support program decisions, bill analysis, and testimony preparation.
Develop and refine methods for evaluating chemical hazards and exposures, assess scientific rigor and uncertainty, and adapt approaches used by federal agencies or other jurisdictions for Washington.
Provide toxicology support for Chemical Action Plans, product testing studies, QAPP development, regulatory implementation, and compliance activities.
Advise the Program Manager and Management Team on scientific considerations, resource needs, and long-term strategies for reducing toxic threats.
Prepare and deliver presentations, workshops, and webinars; author or co-author scientific publications; and make scientific work accessible and accurate for varied audiences.