ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Toxicologist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Food and Drug Administration

Toxicologist

Silver Spring, MD · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Serve as a subject matter expert in regulatory toxicology and non-clinical sciences and provide guidance to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) personnel in areas related to tobacco product review.

Tunnell Government Services

Toxicologist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Toxicologist Subject Matter Expert for FDA Educational Requirements: Applicants should possess a PhD in Toxicology, or Biology and Chemistry with the ability to demonstrate mastery of principles ...

Inotivco

Director, Toxicology

Gaithersburg, MD

$120.20 - $175K/hr

The Director of Toxicology is the scientific leader for the site and serves as a mentor and manager for a group of Study Directors overseeing general toxicology and safety pharmacology studies. As a ...

Inotiv

Director, Toxicology

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$120.20 - $175K/hr

The Director of Toxicology is the scientific leader for the site and serves as a mentor and manager for a group of Study Directors overseeing general toxicology and safety pharmacology studies. As a ...

Inotiv

Director, Toxicology

Gaithersburg, MD

$120.20 - $175K/hr

The Director of Toxicology is the scientific leader for the site and serves as a mentor and manager for a group of Study Directors overseeing general toxicology and safety pharmacology studies. As a ...

Lawyers On Demand, a Consilio Company

Be Seen First

CONTRACT | Toxic Tort Paralegal

Washington, DC · Remote

$40 - $50/hr

Lawyers on Demand, a Consilio Company, is urgently seeking a toxic tort / asbestos paralegal to support one of our prestigious corporate clients on a fully remote basis. Start Date: ASAP Duration ...

Inotivco

Scientist, Genetic Toxicology

Rockville, MD · On-site

Job Title: Scientist, Genetic Toxicology Qualifications: Ph.D. in a scientific discipline (i.e. Biology, Biochemistry, etc.) - OR - Master's degree in a scientific discipline (i.e. Biology ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsToxicologist JobsToxicologist Jobs in Reston, VA

Toxicologist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.7K

$120K

$222.6K

How much do toxicologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for toxicologist in Reston, VA is $120,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,400.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a toxicologist do?

A toxicologist is a scientist who studies the effects of chemicals, substances, and environmental agents on living organisms, including humans. They assess the potential risks and health hazards of exposure to toxins and help develop safety standards to protect public health. Toxicologists work in a variety of settings such as laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and research institutions. Their work is crucial in ensuring that products, medications, and environmental practices are safe for people and the environment.

Is toxicology well paying?

Toxicologists typically earn a competitive salary, with median annual wages around $80,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, education, and industry. Advanced roles or those in pharmaceuticals, government agencies, or private research often offer higher compensation, and specialized skills or certifications can increase earning potential.

What type of work does a toxicologist do?

A toxicologist studies the effects of chemicals and substances on human health, animals, and the environment. They analyze data, conduct experiments, and assess risks related to toxins, often working in laboratories or regulatory agencies. Their work supports safety standards and involves using tools like chromatography and spectroscopy, with certifications often required for specialized roles.

What Does a Toxicologist Do?

Toxicologists work in many industries performing tests on new chemical compounds, tissue samples, body fluids, soil samples, and a variety of other things depending on their field of work. For instance, a forensic toxicologist runs tests on samples gathered during a crime scene investigation or an autopsy and identifies substances that may have affected the body during the crime. All toxicologists carefully record every step of their process.

Is toxicology high demand?

Toxicologist positions are in steady demand due to the need for expertise in chemical safety, environmental health, and regulatory compliance. Employment opportunities are often available in government agencies, research institutions, and industry sectors such as pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, especially for those with advanced degrees and certification. The field requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of toxicological testing methods.

What is the difference between Toxicologist vs Pharmacologist?

AspectToxicologistPharmacologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Toxicology, certifications like ASP or SOTBachelor's or Master's in Pharmacology, related certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, regulatory agenciesResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare settings
Industry UsageEnvironmental safety, public health, regulatory complianceDrug development, clinical research, healthcare

Both toxicologists and pharmacologists work in scientific research and often collaborate in healthcare and regulatory settings. Toxicologists focus on assessing and managing chemical hazards, while pharmacologists study drug effects and mechanisms. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Toxicologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Toxicologist, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and toxicology, typically supported by a relevant degree (such as a BS or MS in toxicology or related sciences) and often a PhD for advanced roles. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, analytical techniques (like mass spectrometry or chromatography), and regulatory compliance systems is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong written and verbal communication skills set outstanding toxicologists apart. These competencies are essential for accurately assessing chemical risks, ensuring safety, and effectively reporting findings to stakeholders.

Is it hard to become a toxicologist?

Becoming a toxicologist typically requires a bachelor's degree in toxicology, chemistry, biology, or a related field, followed by advanced education such as a master's or Ph.D. in toxicology or a related discipline. The process involves gaining specialized knowledge, laboratory skills, and often certification or licensing, making it a challenging but achievable career path for those with strong science backgrounds and dedication.

What are some typical challenges toxicologists face when interpreting test results in a regulatory setting?

Toxicologists often encounter the challenge of interpreting complex data that may not present clear-cut conclusions, especially when translating laboratory results to real-world human or environmental health outcomes. They must account for variables like differing species sensitivity, exposure routes, and potential confounding factors, all while ensuring compliance with strict regulatory guidelines. Collaborative discussions with colleagues in risk assessment, regulatory affairs, and other scientific disciplines are common, as these teams work together to build consensus on safety recommendations. Remaining up to date with evolving testing methodologies and regulatory requirements is also crucial for success in this role.
More about Toxicologist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Toxicologist jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Toxicologist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Toxicologist jobs in Reston, VA? For Toxicologist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Toxicologist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Toxicologist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Toxicologist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Toxicologist job openings:
Toxicologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Toxicologist job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,025 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Toxicologist

Tunnell Government Services

Bethesda, MD

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Toxicologist Subject Matter Expert for FDA 

Educational Requirements:  Applicants should possess a PhD in Toxicology, or Biology and Chemistry with the ability to demonstrate mastery of principles, practices, and theories in the field of toxicology and risk assessment. This candidate must serve as a technical authority in the scientific analysis of the safety and effectiveness of medical devices, and provide an authoritative analysis of scientific data submitted to the Agency to support scientific evaluations required for medical device review by FDA.

Qualifications: 

  • A PhD, or equivalent advanced degree, from an accredited or pre-accredited university in Toxicology, or Biology and Chemistry.
  • A minimum of five years of experience conducting assessments of risks to human health from exposure to chemicals, chemical hazard identification, and selection of studies for quantitative dose-response and exposure assessments, including assessment of adverse responses and relevant mechanism(s) of material/tissue interactions associated with extractables and leachables from polymers and metal alloys using approaches within the disciplines of toxicology, immunotoxicology, and genetic toxicology.
  • Experience related to medical devices is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of the scientific principles, theories and practices associated with the discipline of toxicology and the assessment of risks to human health posed by chemicals, extractables, and leachables.
  • Experience with in silico and computational methodologies for toxicological risk assessment would be beneficial, and evidence of a strong track record of research and peer-reviewed publications in chemical hazard identification, toxicology, and risk assessment could also be beneficial.
  • Familiar with the applicable guidances and standards, including, but not limited to the following:
  • FDA Biocompatibility Guidance LINK
  • Basics of Biocompatibility: Information Needed for Assessment by the FDA (website)
  • Standards:
    • ISO 10993-1:2018, Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process
    • ISO 10993-17:2002, Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 17: Establishment of allowable limits for leachable substances
    • ISO 10993-18:2020, Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 18: Chemical characterization of medical device materials within a risk management process
    • ISO TS 21726:2019, Biological evaluation of medical devices - Application of the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) for assessing biocompatibility of medical device constituents
    • ICH M7 Assessment and control of DNA reactive (mutagenic) impurities in pharmaceuticals to limit potential carcinogenic risk (2017; R2018)

Additional Information:

  • Board certification or related, relevant certifications are highly preferred, e.g., American Board of Toxicology, Academy of Toxicological Sciences, etc.
  • The successful candidate must be able to function independently and as part of matrixed teams involving federal and other contract staff of various disciplines and backgrounds.
  • Must be able to successfully work remotely; position is 100% telecommuting.
  • Must possess excellent communication skills (written, verbal) and facility with MS Office suite programs (word, PowerPoint, excel, etc.)

Must be a US Citizen or Full Green Card holder.

Apply