Toxicologist

MPHI is a Michigan-based and nationally engaged, non-profit public health institute dedicated to building a world where tomorrow is healthier than today.

Location: Remote/Virtual – Occasional in-person at Lansing, MI office required. Must live and work in Michigan.

Pay: $58,364.80 - $93,475.20

About the Role

The Toxicologist evaluates environmental data collected at sites of chemical contamination in cooperation with federal, state, and local health and regulatory agencies. This role involves interacting with the public, local officials, and legislators to address community health concerns and provide information to protect public health. The Toxicologist assesses environmental, demographic, and health outcome data to determine public health hazards and documents findings in reports such as Health Consultations and Public Health Assessments. This position is funded by general funds or federal grant funds.

Responsibilities

• Conduct public health assessments of contaminated sites following accepted risk assessment protocols and ATSDR guidance.
  • Evaluate environmental and health outcome data to provide public health recommendations.
  • Document data and recommendations in Health Consultations, Public Health Assessments, or other reports.
  • Advise U.S. EPA, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and other regulatory agencies on sampling designs and strategies to assess human health risks.
  • Advise on actions to protect public health during immediate health concerns from chemical exposures.
  • Document work time spent on different projects and activities.
  • Consult with senior toxicologists.
• Communicate technical information on projects to the public.
  • Provide technical information about contaminated sites and the health assessment process to interested parties.
  • Address chemical exposure concerns and answer questions from the public via hotlines, email, websites, and public meetings.
  • Collaborate with EHB Health Educators and partnering agencies to develop fact sheets and non-technical reports for affected communities, healthcare providers, and local responders.
  • Determine the need and collaborate on developing fact sheets for general toxicological and public health issues.
• Maintain and expand knowledge of developments in environmental toxicology, epidemiology, and risk communication.
  • Participate in the Michigan multi-agency Toxics Steering Group (TSG) and its subcommittees.
  • Attend ATSDR and EPA-hosted national and regional workshops, panels, and presentations.
  • Maintain knowledge of state and federal environmental regulatory criteria.
  • Review scientific literature on chemicals of interest.
  • Attend training sessions to increase knowledge of statistical, regulatory, research, and community involvement processes.
  • Participate in local, state, and national meetings, conferences, and seminars on related technical topics.
• Perform other duties to support the Unit, Section, Division, and Bureau, representing the best interests of MDHHS and MPHI.

Requirements

Education: Possession of a master’s degree in toxicology or a master’s degree in a physical, biological, or environmental science with:

• 10 semester (15 term) credits in one or more of the following: toxicology, human or environmental risk assessment, pharmacology, pathology, environmental stress, mechanisms or modes of chemical action on living organisms.
• An additional 10 semester (15 term) credits in any combination of: molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, anatomy, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, zoology, ecology, biology, limnology, environmental science, soil science, physiology, histology, statistics, and chemical fate and transport.

Experience: No experience is required, though two years of experience in assessing and controlling the impact of toxic substances on human health and the environment is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Skills

• Knowledge of the general principles, practices, and procedures of toxicology, biology, and chemistry.
• Knowledge of the relationships between toxicological, physical, and chemical properties of chemicals.
• Understanding of basic toxicology concepts and terms.
• Ability to convey technical information to the lay public through written and oral communication.
• Ability to maintain records and document reports in accordance with departmental guidance.
• Ability to prioritize and concurrently assess multiple sites.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with occasional site visits.
• May require carrying equipment (e.g., mercury vapor analyzer machine, under 10 pounds) during site visits, typically once a month.
• Exposure to unpleasant fumes, odors, and local weather conditions during site visits, which may occur 2-3 times a month.
• Requires a valid vehicle operator’s license and occasional in-state travel; less frequent out-of-state travel may be required.
• Work hours may occasionally include evenings, weekends, and overnights.

Impact and Collaboration

• Directly impacts the quality of services provided by MPHI to MDHHS, supporting key functions of the Environmental Health Bureau.
• Ensures Michigan communities are protected from hazards such as vapor intrusion, non-biological substances in groundwater, and other chemical hazards.
• Interacts with the public, local health departments, and other state agencies via meetings, telephone conversations, and on-site visits.
• If assigned as a project manager, may delegate tasks to other project team members.