Toxicologist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Toxicologist 
Job Title: Research Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Env Epidemiology & Toxicology 
Posting Number: 4518 
Closing Date: 06/01/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $7,155.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT) 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 0231,0531,4505,4591,8051,8825,8850,15AX,35F,38A,49A,683X,783X,IS,ISS,OSS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Works under the supervision of the Environmental Surveillance and Toxicology Branch Director with considerable latitude for use of independent judgment. Performs complex toxicological health risk evaluations of potential adverse effects resulting from human exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents. Work involves initiating, planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting toxicological investigations; working on teams to investigate and address public health problems; analyze data, and disseminating investigation results in a manner that is understandable to the general public and media.  Prepares written reports of public health risk assessments, consultations, and investigations on communities around hazardous waste sites. Serves as Co-chair for the legislatively mandated HHSC Chapter 503 Toxic Substances Coordinating Committee (TSCC) composed of representatives from multiple state agencies. Participates as a toxicological expert by presenting legally defensible testimony in support of the Department’s position regarding the effects of toxic contaminants. Plans, conducts, and interprets environmental public health and toxicology research studies.     

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Performs toxicological and exposure investigations, conducts complex toxicological and public health risk assessments of potential adverse health effects resulting from human exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents that include the analysis and interpretation of toxicological and environmental data. Produces and reviews written reports and presentations to the public and media, which may include legally defensible expert testimony regarding public health toxicology investigations, studies, and issues. (55%)

Works with the Branch Director, the Health Assessment and Toxicology program supervisor, and other staff to ensure that the legislative mandates set forth in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 427 are met. This includes identifying, managing, preventing, and reducing health problems associated with environmental contamination. This position also serves as the Vice-Chair for the legislatively-mandated Toxic Substances Coordinating Committee (TSCC) a committee established under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 503 and composed of representatives from the multiple state agencies. (15%)

Provides toxicological consultations to other program staff and the public pertaining to health effects of environmental exposures and other environmental and public health issues. (15%)

Assists in conducting epidemiological studies and serves as an expert on toxicological matters for such studies. (10%)

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)    

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of the standard principles and methods of toxicology and health risk assessment. 
• Knowledge of environmental or occupational health principles.
• Knowledge of Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) health assessment process.
• Skills in computer software including graphic presentation (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Power, Microsoft Excel)
• Skills in data management and analysis using statistical software such as SAS, STATA, and/or R. 
• Skills in data visualization and mapping software such as ArcGIS and/or Tableau.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret toxicological information to determine the public health risks from exposure to toxic substances or harmful physical agents.
• Ability to assemble, interpret and summarize pertinent data and technical literature.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public and the media.
• Ability to represent the Department as an expert witness.
• Ability to perform site visits and conduct investigations at hazardous waste sites which may require hiking and negotiating difficult terrain.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduate degree in epidemiology, environmental health, toxicology or related field is required. 
• Experience reviewing and analyzing environmental, toxicological or health outcomes data using statistical or mapping software. 
• Experience intepreting data, and designing and conducting environmental, epidemiologic, or toxicologic studies/investigations. 
• Experience in writing or reviewing technical and scientific reports and publications. 
• Work experience in the field of public health, environmental health, toxicology, epidemiology at local, state or federal level is preferred but not required.

Additional Information:

N/A.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form