Job Description
MPHI is a Michigan-based and nationally engaged, non-profit public health institute. We are a team of teams, process and content experts, dedicated to building A world where tomorrow is healthier than today!Title: Senior Toxicologist $56,675 - $89,825 / Posted thru: 11-30-20Employee Name:TBDSupervisor: TBDLocation:Lansing, MichiganPurpose: The position functions as a senior level toxicologist responsible for independently evaluating environmental data from multiple and complex sites of chemical contamination, determining whether a public health hazard exists, making and following up on recommendations to protect public health, and documenting the findings in Health Consultation or Public Health Assessment reports. Provides the highest level of toxicological expertise regarding chemical public health emergencies requiring prompt action to avoid public exposures and the resulting injury and/or acute or long-term health impacts. The person in this position collaborates with other federal, state, and local health and regulatory agencies. The person in this position will also interact with the public and local officials via meetings, telephone conversations, e-mails, and field visits, responding to community health concerns and providing information to protect public health. There may be requests through the MDHHS Communications and Legislative offices to conduct interviews or provide information to the media and/or elected officials, as well. This position will also assist and advise entry level toxicologist positions.Duties and Responsibilities:Duty 1: (70% of time)Independently conducts public health assessments at multiple and complex sites of environmental contamination, in accordance with federal Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry guidance. Complex sites are those involving multiple chemicals, requiring technical expertise, generating strong political interest and controversy, and/or those with a diverse stakeholder group. Such sites may include Superfund sites, Brownfields, chemical spills, fires involving hazardous waste, and other sites where real or perceived exposure to hazardous substances potentially threatens public health. More information on ATSDR public health assessments may be found here: . Health Assessments authored by the Toxicology and Assessment Section may be found here: .Responsibilities related to Duty 1:•Uses advanced technical and scientific knowledge to develop innovative and creative approaches to chemical and site investigations.•Independently applies considerable scientific judgement to address public health hazards.•May serve as the lead toxicologist for chemical emergencies throughout the state of Michigan, all with difficult and highly complex technical toxicological issues related to chemical emergencies statewide.•Identifies key priority chemicals likely to be a concern during chemical emergencies within the state of Michigan using available data. Develops emergency preparedness plans for the key priority chemicals including likely exposure pathways of concern, screening levels, critical health impacts, and biomonitoring considerations.•Recommends and participates in the planning and implementation of Exposure Investigations or Health Outcome Studies when needed.•Conducts in-depth evaluations of the physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of chemicals of concern at contaminated sites and assesses health hazards associated with exposure.•Interprets toxicological databases of chemicals where existing studies are not standardized, where results are unclear or controversial, or where toxicological evidence must be pieced together to draw appropriate health-protective conclusions.•Determines acceptable exposure standards when none exist or modifies exiting default standards when site-specific information is available.•Determines qualitative and quantitative adequacy of environmental sampling data. If data gaps exist, requests additional information from appropriate governmental agencies.•Recommends/assists with sampling designs and strategies.•Conducts site visits to make observations and collect information pertinent to site-related public health issues.•Identifies exposure pathways and determines if they are complete, potential, or incomplete.•Leads/attends public meetings to address questions and concerns of affected citizens and groups.•Maintains records and correspondence related to public health assessments.•Recommends, and identifies parties to carry out, public health recommendations based on conclusions reached in health consultations and assessments and whether public health recommendations are being implemented.•Prepares Public Health Consultation/Assessment reports, executive summaries, factsheets, and other documents and presentations related to the site, working with health educators, as needed.Duty 2: (10% of time)Provides technical toxicological support for development of outreach materials communicating highly technical toxicological information to the public, healthcare providers, and other government agencies. Provides information during conversations with phone callers, over email, and at community meetings and public availability sessions. As requested by MDHHS Communications and Legislative Affairs office, may also provide information to the news media and elected officials.Responsibilities related to Duty 2:•Effectively communicates controversial or politically sensitive information to staff, the affected public, medical and scientific community members, and legislators.•Provides highly technical information about contaminated sites and the health assessment process to the mass media and other interested parties via e-mail or interviews.•Discusses chemicals exposure concerns with and answers questions from the public on the... For full info follow application link.MPHI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employeer
