TDA - Toxicologist

About the role

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture and Consumer Protection Division is looking for an experienced Toxicologist to support consumer and environmental protection work tied to pesticide regulation and risk evaluation. In this role, you will assess how pesticide exposure in soil, water, air, food, and related environments may affect human health, domestic animals, and non-target organisms. The position calls for independent judgment, initiative, and the ability to handle complex scientific and regulatory issues with limited supervision.

What you will do

• Study chemical exposure and toxic effects, then interpret environmental and food-related data to support decisions under pesticide laws and regulations.
• Use scientific analysis to recommend actions that reduce harmful impacts on people and the environment.
• Support TDA staff and outside stakeholders by explaining possible health effects linked to pesticides, with a particular focus on food safety concerns.
• Build and apply multi-media pesticide risk assessment methods to identify and communicate possible hazards.
• Conduct detailed scientific reviews and help coordinate interagency monitoring efforts related to health and pesticides.
• Act as a subject matter expert on human health impacts, including case reviews, special projects, reports, fact sheets, and other written materials.
• Review interagency project contracts and help design field studies that examine pesticide-related health risks.
• Stay current on scientific, technical, and legislative developments affecting pesticides and risk assessment.
• Maintain and update pesticide-related databases and research the health effects of pesticides used in Texas.
• Contribute to the review of precautionary pesticide labeling and farm worker safety requirements, including applicable restrictions.
• Represent the agency as a toxicology and risk assessment expert in hearings involving human health, animals, and non-target species, while coordinating with legal staff when needed.
• Take part in committee meetings, public forums, presentations, inspector training, and outreach efforts.
• Follow agency policies and complete other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Applicants must submit a State of Texas application through CAPPS or WIT, and the experience listed in the application should clearly show how the required qualifications are met.

• A Ph.D. with specialization in pharmacology or toxicology, plus coursework in risk assessment principles, environmental or occupational health, and pesticide and/or chemical regulation and policy.
• Work experience that shows the ability to understand and interpret clinical findings and laboratory data when evaluating possible health hazards from pesticide exposure.
• Strong knowledge of toxicology principles, chemical laboratory methods, toxicity research, product registration data requirements, safety assessment, and toxicity testing procedures.
• Hands-on skill with laboratory equipment, computers, and related software.
• Ability to develop and carry out risk assessments, interpret toxicological information, assess public and environmental health risks, provide expert testimony, conduct research studies, analyze samples, prepare reports, communicate clearly, and use sound judgment while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Working conditions

The work environment is primarily a normal office setting, though there may be exposure to dust and common environmental allergens. The role is mostly sedentary, but it can include walking, standing, pushing, pulling, kneeling, stooping, bending, and tasks requiring fine motor coordination. Employees must be able to sit at a computer for long periods and may occasionally work extended hours, including evenings and weekends. The job can involve travel, including overnight trips, and field visits to observe pesticide use, disposal, and related activities. Travel may be up to 20%.

Benefits

The State of Texas provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families. These benefits are described as being worth, on average, about one-third of total compensation.

Additional information

Please refer to the CAPPS Careers posting for the full vacancy details.

The position falls under the Texas Department of Agriculture’s consumer protection work, which includes oversight of grocery store scales, egg quality, nursery products, pesticide applicator licensing and training, worker protection, and pesticide registration.

Travel may be required occasionally, including overnight travel, and can account for up to 20% of work time.

The role may require participation in public outreach, committee forums, inspector training, and occasional field monitoring activities.

Some duties involve maintaining confidentiality at the highest level and exercising discretion in scientific and regulatory decision-making.