What Is a Forensic Toxicologist?
Forensic toxicologists help the public good by using scientific methods to find the truth in criminal cases. They perform tests on tissue samples and bodily fluids to find substances that might have been involved in a crime.
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Duties
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Forensic toxicologists identify substances from evidence collected at crime scenes. Their testing methods are designed to look for things such as alcohol, drugs, poisons, metals and gases. They also might conduct drug testing for employers and environmental contamination investigations.
Nonscientific Duties
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Forensic toxicologists might be called to testify in court about their findings, so good communication skills--particularly the ability to explain complex scientific data to laypeople--is essential.
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Training
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Forensic toxicologists generally earn their bachelor's degrees in chemistry and an advanced degree in forensic chemistry. They also receive training in sciences such as biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology.
Certification
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It is not uncommon for forensic toxicologists to receive certification from multiple medical boards. The three most common are the American Board of Clinical Chemistry, the American Board of Forensic Toxicology and the American Board of Toxicology.
Employment
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Forensic toxicologists work in laboratories run by the government (state, local and federal) or private companies. Some of these professionals pursue teaching careers at universities.
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References
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