Environmental Toxicologist (Biochemist)

About the role

Battelle’s Life Science Research Center (LSR) in West Jefferson, OH comprises world-class toxicology facilities and expert staff who support critical toxicology, safety pharmacology, and inhalation research programs for our pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrichemical, industrial, and government clients. We are currently seeking a highly skilled Environmental Toxicologist (Biochemist IV) to provide technical leadership and discipline oversight within our Environmental Hazard programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert toxicology leadership on multiple concurrent studies, serving as Study Director or Discipline Lead for in vivo environmental toxicology and related studies (e.g., inhalation, biodistribution, pharmacokinetic, efficacy studies) for government and commercial sponsors.
• Review and oversee all scientific elements of toxicology projects, including study protocols, amendments, data, and reports, to ensure scientific integrity, GLP compliance, and alignment with sponsor requirements.
• Guarantee that deliverables undergo thorough internal technical review and quality control prior to final approval by PIs or external release, upholding Battelle’s reputation for excellence.
• Drive on-schedule execution of toxicology studies by closely integrating toxicology plans with program/project timelines, monitoring key milestones (study set-up, dosing, data analysis, reporting) and proactively identifying/mitigating risks (e.g., resource constraints, data variability) to prevent delays.
• Quickly escalate critical risks or issues with recommended solutions to PMs/PIs to maintain a “no surprises” environment for clients and stakeholders.
• Cook up cross-functional activities across disciplines (Toxicology, Chemistry, Inhalation, Pathology, etc.) and interface with other Discipline Leads, ensuring consistent methodologies and smooth handoffs.
• Lead or participate in interdisciplinary planning and problem-solving sessions to align study execution with the broader program and operational goals.
• Mentor and develop toxicology staff (Study Directors, scientists, technicians), providing scientific guidance and frameworks for execution.
• Establish knowledge-sharing forums and best practice reviews to continuously improve team proficiency, build capacity (reducing single points of failure), and promote a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Maintain disciplined communication and meeting cadences. Lead regular toxicology team meetings and contribute to program status updates, ensuring key decisions, changes, and progress are clearly communicated across the team and to leadership.
• Uphold meeting best practices (agendas, action tracking) to create a transparent, efficient operating environment. Champion process improvements in toxicology operations and study workflows.
• Identify and implement efficiency and quality enhancements (e.g., streamlined review cycles, improved scheduling processes) and contribute to the program’s operational playbook, driving continuous improvement and scalability in how toxicology studies are executed.
• Contribute to program growth and success. May lead or collaborate with business development and project management teams in proposal development, scope definition, and client discussions as needed.
• Support leadership in meeting program objectives and financial targets by ensuring successful, on-time completion of toxicology studies within budget constraints, including adherence to contract specifications and proactive management of resources.
• Advance scientific innovation and external visibility. Identify opportunities to contribute to invention disclosures, intellectual property development, and novel methodological approaches that enhance program impact.
• Actively contribute to scientific publications, technical presentations, and participation in professional conferences or peer review activities, strengthening Battelle’s reputation and visibility within the toxicology and broader scientific community.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Ph.D. in Toxicology or a related life science field with at least 5 years of experience in toxicology research; OR M.S. with 8+ years of prior relevant experience; OR B.S. with 10+ years of prior experience.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in the design, execution, and interpretation of in vivo toxicology studies (e.g., environmental toxicity, inhalation toxicology, chemical safety) with a track record of scientific publications or study reports documenting impactful results. Proficiency in applying GLP principles and regulatory guidelines (e.g., OECD, ICH for nonclinical studies) to ensure compliance in study conduct and data management.
• Project Execution & Team Leadership: Strong project management and organizational skills; able to manage multiple studies concurrently, meet deadlines consistently, and coordinate cross-functional teams in a matrix environment. Experience leading or guiding technical staff with an emphasis on quality control, problem-solving, and risk management in study execution.
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex toxicology concepts to diverse audiences (technical and non-technical) clearly and effectively. Proactive communicator adept at fostering collaboration across disciplines and keeping stakeholders informed to ensure alignment.

Key Qualifications

• Professional Certification: Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT) certification (or eligibility/preparedness to attain certification within 1 year).
• Advanced Expertise: Additional postdoctoral experience or publications in environmental toxicology, inhalation toxicology, or related fields.
• Project/Program Experience: Prior experience serving as a Study Director or Discipline Lead on GLP-compliant toxicology studies, especially for government research (e.g., NIH/NIEHS, DoD).