Toxicologist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

55d • Hybrid

About The Position

Works under the supervision of the Environmental Surveillance and Toxicology Branch Director with considerable latitude for use of independent judgment. Performs complex toxicological health risk evaluations of potential adverse effects resulting from human exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents. Work involves initiating, planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting toxicological investigations; working on teams to investigate and address public health problems; analyze data, and disseminating investigation results in a manner that is understandable to the general public and media. Prepares written reports of public health risk assessments, consultations, and investigations on communities around hazardous waste sites. Serves as Co-chair for the legislatively mandated HHSC Chapter 503 Toxic Substances Coordinating Committee (TSCC) composed of representatives from multiple state agencies. Participates as a toxicological expert by presenting legally defensible testimony in support of the Department’s position regarding the effects of toxic contaminants. Plans, conducts, and interprets environmental public health and toxicology research studies.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the standard principles and methods of toxicology and health risk assessment.
• Knowledge of environmental or occupational health principles.
• Knowledge of Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) health assessment process.
• Skills in computer software including graphic presentation (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Power, Microsoft Excel)
• Skills in data management and analysis using statistical software such as SAS, STATA, and/or R.
• Skills in data visualization and mapping software such as ArcGIS and/or Tableau.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret toxicological information to determine the public health risks from exposure to toxic substances or harmful physical agents.
• Ability to assemble, interpret and summarize pertinent data and technical literature.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public and the media.
• Ability to represent the Department as an expert witness.
• Ability to perform site visits and conduct investigations at hazardous waste sites which may require hiking and negotiating difficult terrain.
• Graduate degree in epidemiology, environmental health, toxicology or related field is required.
• Experience reviewing and analyzing environmental, toxicological or health outcomes data using statistical or mapping software.
• Experience intepreting data, and designing and conducting environmental, epidemiologic, or toxicologic studies/investigations.
• Experience in writing or reviewing technical and scientific reports and publications.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience in the field of public health, environmental health, toxicology, epidemiology at local, state or federal level is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Performs toxicological and exposure investigations, conducts complex toxicological and public health risk assessments of potential adverse health effects resulting from human exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents that include the analysis and interpretation of toxicological and environmental data. Produces and reviews written reports and presentations to the public and media, which may include legally defensible expert testimony regarding public health toxicology investigations, studies, and issues.
• Works with the Branch Director, the Health Assessment and Toxicology program supervisor, and other staff to ensure that the legislative mandates set forth in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 427 are met. This includes identifying, managing, preventing, and reducing health problems associated with environmental contamination. This position also serves as the Vice-Chair for the legislatively-mandated Toxic Substances Coordinating Committee (TSCC) a committee established under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 503 and composed of representatives from the multiple state agencies.
• Provides toxicological consultations to other program staff and the public pertaining to health effects of environmental exposures and other environmental and public health issues.
• Assists in conducting epidemiological studies and serves as an expert on toxicological matters for such studies.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees