Toxicologist

Join to apply for the Toxicologist role at Texas Department of State Health Services

Date:
Dec 30, 2025

Location:

AUSTIN, TX, US, 78756

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.

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

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT)

Other Locations: Austin

MOS Codes: ,,,8850,15AX,35F,38A,49A,683X,783X,IS,ISS,OSS

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.

• 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…