Both passionate about nature, the environment, researcher and hunter of pollution, the ecotoxicologist is a versatile scientist concerned with the world around him. Its importance is such that it can participate in public policies on environmental safety and the certification of chemicals.
Theecotoxicology is responsible for studying the harmful effects of chemicals on the health of living beings and on the environment. Its role is to identify all the pollution from pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic or even agrifood industrial groups present in nature, and to find solutions to limit their impact on wildlife and flora and on Man.
It analyzes and thus measures the quantity of chemical present in a ecosystem and tries to determine its dangerousness, its toxicity and their release conditions. Its purpose and thus to propose means of combating these chemicals either by controlling their use or by completely eliminating them.
He can thus participate in the development of sanitary standards or public policy by writing and publishing research reports. Most of his work is done in the laboratory, where in collaboration with a whole team of experts, he handles and identifies dangerous products and assesses their impact on the environment.
What you will learn
The main skills and qualities to have
An ecotoxicologist must demonstrate multiple skills and qualities in the context of his work:
- know perfectly the biology and the chemistry ;
- be up to date with environmental, chemical regulations, etc. at the European level ;
- master the safety rules and laboratory equipment;
- speak and write technical English;
- demonstrate rigor, curiosity and availability;
- know how to work in a team;
- be an educator and good communicator;
- have a great spirit of analysis and synthesis.
Working conditions
The ecotoxicologist can work for both the public and the private sector. His working hours are rather conventional but can generate longer days. Field trips, laboratory analyzes, and report writing make up the day for an ecotoxicologist. He has to handle toxic products and must therefore perfectly master the rules and safety instructions.
How to become an ecotoxicologist?
A bac + 5 level minimum is required to be able to practice the profession of ecotoxicologist:
- Engineering school in chemistry or biology;
- State Diploma Doctor of Pharmacy;
- Master Toxicology and eco-toxicology;
- Master Chemical pollution and environmental management;
- Master Ecophysiology and ecotoxicology ;
- Master in Health Engineering, research methods in environment, health, toxicology, ecotoxicology;
- Doctorate in ecotoxicology, environmental chemistry, agronomy …
The salary of an ecotoxicologist
A beginner ecotoxicologist will receive between 2,500 and 3,000 euros gross monthly depending on whether he practices in the public or private sector. His salary at the end of his career could easily exceed 5000 euros gross per month.
The outlook for an ecotoxicologist
An ecotoxicologist can progress to positions of safety and environment manager, head of ecotoxicology unit, consultant for the industry in ecotoxicology, laboratory or team manager …
Companies that employ ecotoxicologists
- large industrial companies;
- Minister of the Environment ;
- public and parapublic research centers (INRA, CNRS, IRSTEA …);
- ecotoxicological testing laboratories;
- specialized design offices.
My job explained to my mother
Mom, my job is to analyze the effects of the presence of chemicals on ecosystems. I must determine their dangerousness and their impact on living organisms, whether human, plant or animal. Thanks to my work, I play an advisory role with authorities or companies in the preparation of environmental studies or the approval of certain products before they are placed on the market. I work with many collaborators and share my knowledge with researchers around the world.
In short, I play a very important role in protecting the environment and the living species that inhabit it!
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