How to become A Forensic Toxicologist

A force behind the scenes in helping to hunt down criminals, a Forensic Toxicologist is a backup for law enforcement authorities, assisting them in the medical and legal investigation of death, drug use, poisoning, or murder. Forensic toxicology uses a multidisciplinary approach spanning analytical chemistry, pharmacology and clinical chemistry to obtain and interpret results.

• Forensic Science Technicians

• Death Investigation Toxicologist 

• Postmortem Toxicologist

What do Forensic Toxicologists do?

A Forensic Toxicologist would typically need to: 

• Extract biological samples, including bodily fluids and tissues, and conducts human-performance forensic toxicology on them to determine the absence or presence of drugs and other intoxicating or harmful chemicals

• Test the specimens using biomedical and chemical instrumentation to evaluate how these toxins affected the death 

• Interpret the data for the benefit of an investigation by documenting the findings in a scientific way. 

• Work with the medical examiners and coroners to determine the role of the toxins by giving them expert testimony

• Use chemical and biomedical instrumentation to analyse bodily fluids, hair, blood, tissue, breath and detect the presence of toxins

• Follow safety and quality control guidelines; comply with other administrative criteria

• Assist law enforcement and authorities by presenting clear evidence and expert testimony 

• Collect and test toxic substances in food or the environment

Most of a Forensic Toxicologist’s work is lab-based. Laboratories are usually run by private drug testing companies, forensic offices, or the police. Some days you might typically have to work in the field such as crime scenes to collect the samples. Majority of the Forensic Toxicologists work in laboratories that are run by law enforcement agencies, medical examiners or private drug testing facilities. 

Forensic Toxicologists work 40-60 hours a week. They must keep working hours flexible, as they are expected to be on call 24/7 to study issues, collect and study evidence or meet deadlines. Forensic Toxicologists working in laboratories usually work on weekdays, but they may be expected to work at unusual hours when working on a case. 

Travel to visit the field may be required, during the day or at odd hours.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Forensic Toxicologists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Keep in mind that you may also find placement opportunities in biological research and development.

Forensic Toxicologists are generally employed by:

• Medical, Testing & Diagnostic Laboratories

• Specialist Crime & Operations

• Public & Private Hospitals

• Forensic Science Units in Police Departments

• Government Departments

• Armed Forces

• Water Companies

• Applied Science & Technology Companies 

• PharmaceuticaL & Chemical Companies

• Environmental Agencies

• Universities

• Hospitals

• Research Organisations & Consultancies

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT), are crucial for Forensic Toxicologists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Risk of infection due to exposure to body fluids and tissue samples; working with body fluids and tissue samples can also be unpleasant

• Emotional trauma while dealing with crime investigation 

• Insufficient time for self-care due to the heavy workload and mental pressure to perform tests on the samples of investigation

• The need to work outdoors in any kind of weather

• Burnout, fatigue, aches and pains due to standing or working for long hours 

A bachelor’s degree will allow you to work in a toxicology lab and acquire experience to pursue a career as a Forensic Toxicologist. While classroom training forms the core of your forensic toxicology career, builds your knowledge, hands-on experience through internships at various levels teaches you some of the intricacies involved in this profession. It also gives you a start in building a resume and making professional connections with local labs. 

Internship programs range from introductory courses for high school students to graduate schemes. You would typically learn about general lab procedures, ante- and post-mortem toxicology screenings, controlled substance analysis, biological sample processing & analysis, and evaluating new techniques.

Entry being competitive, it is useful to develop relevant skills through short-term contracts with potential for full-time appointments. 

Read about the profession and job shadow experts working in Forensic Toxicology to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. Targeted speculative applications to your local police may help you source opportunities.

Typically, a Forensic Toxicologist needs a bachelor’s degree in science, such as forensic medicine, forensic toxicology, chemistry, clinical chemistry, pharmacology, biology or forensic science. Forensic toxicology typically goes by different names among colleges and universities. You may find relevant programs in the departments of criminal justice, medicine, natural sciences, health sciences, pharmacology and physiological sciences.

The core curriculum of a forensic toxicology program generally includes general toxicology, principles of forensic science, applied statistics for data analysis, toxic substances, forensic medicine, special topics in forensic toxicology

You may also pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in forensic toxicology. Master’s degree programs typically include courses in physiology, biochemistry, and instrumental analysis. As many students enter the program with a background in chemistry, courses are offered that cover elemental toxicology and court proceedings. A few more advanced classes include effects of drugs on human and non-human species, evidentiary data handling and interpretation, laboratory role in determining time, date and effects of toxins, preparation and presentation of evidence testimony, chemical event processes on biological entities

You should have a high school background in chemistry, biology, mathematics to hone your skills as a Forensic Toxicologist.

Certification demonstrates a Forensic Toxicologist’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. 

Typically, Forensic Toxicologists do not require licenses or certification to enter this profession. However, voluntary certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs also protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. 

You may choose to acquire one or more from among various certifications that aid in your professional development. Generally, certification standards and regulations differ in each location. Typically, certification examinations assess candidates in the toxicity of agents, organ systems and effects, and general principles and applied toxicology.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

Promotion to the role of Reporting Officer, with two to five years of experience from the time of entry, would allow you to take on cases and deal with the police independently, compile evidence into a statement and testify in court as an expert witness, as needed.

Progressing to the role of a Case Examiner after you acquire greater experience, you would visit crime scenes, supervise staff, and coordinate tasks relevant to your expertise. You may also engage in research and publish articles.

Building expertise in specific areas may lead you to managerial roles. You could also participate in epidemiological investigations conducted by health authorities.

The career prospects of a Forensic Toxicologist are usually good. If you have enough experience, responsibility and appraisal reports, promotion is not far fetched. 

Candidates with a master’s degree in science along with the necessary skills have the best job prospects. Geographic mobility will enhance your competitiveness in the job market.

Aspiring Forensic Toxicologists could ideally start working under experienced professionals in government crime labs to gain knowledge and training on the job and advance their careers. Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Forensic Toxicologist to build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to continually upskill, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge. 

Newly hired Forensic Toxicologists in government crime laboratories receive training on the job from experienced professionals in evidence collection and documentation procedures. The length of training may vary according to the location and employer. You may need to pass proficiency tests or obtain approval from a laboratory or accrediting body to conduct independent casework.

With the aid of a master’s in forensic science, archaeology, or anthropology or a PhD, Forensic Toxicologists gain more knowledge about their field of specialisation and earn credentials to step into leadership roles. Master’s degree programs emphasise post-mortem analysis, preparing you to collaborate closely with the coroner's office. 

Samples Analysis

A Forensic Toxicologist analyses a number of body fluids to help law enforcement authorities solve criminal cases. 

Urine

A urine sample collected from the bladder is usually not infected with viruses, such as HIV or Hepatitis B, as compared to blood samples. Its investigation is easier as it displays higher concentrations of drugs, which are also retained in the urine for longer than blood. Urine samples may also be collected non-invasively without professional interference. Urine contributes to qualitative analysis because it only indicates prior exposure.

Blood

A blood sample is screened for the presence of toxic substances, providing Forensic
Toxicologists with a profile of the substance that the subject was under the influence of. 

Hair Sample

Chemicals from the bloodstream get deposited in the hair follicles, providing a rough timeline of the drug intake events. Drug testing through hair is yet not popular.

Tools of the Trade

Before performing an autopsy, a Forensic Toxicologist uses chromatography instruments that aid in separating the chemical components. Mass spectrometry helps identify the precise components present in samples. Blood chemistry analysers are used to check for the presence of harmful chemicals in the blood sample. Immunoassays aid in checking the presence of specific substances. A nasogastric tube is used to pull out the ingested toxins from the sample. As most of the toxins have an effect on the heart, an electrocardiograph machine (ECG) is used to trace heart activity. 

Dress Code

As Forensic Toxicologists must handle harmful toxic substances, it is vital to wear gloves and other protective clothing while collecting the evidence and placing it in a sterile, sealed bag. They must also wear gloves in the laboratory while analyzing the evidence. The entire body must be covered as sometimes skin also acts as a receptor organ for the toxins to enter the body. Shoes should be closed-toe to avoid contact with toxins.

As bones are the sturdiest part of the body, dental records are responsible for identifying over 93% of remains at the crime scene.

Forensic Toxicologists are crucial to an investigation. Hand in hand with law enforcement, they conduct scientific tests on bodily fluids and tissues to analyse the presence of toxic substances which may be the cause of death. More than the outcome or technique of an investigation, they focus on testing and analysing traditional samples for toxicity.

If you have a keen interest in detective work, solving crimes and working with the government, don’t shy away from studying the human body and understanding how toxic substances affect it - this might be the right career option for you. You may fulfil your urge to learn and grow given that forensic toxicology is constantly making advances. Staying up to date with new technologies, methodologies and chemicals is possible with constant learning.