Description

What we do

We are a science-based, data-driven, non-profit organization with a mission to end uncertainty about chemical hazards by ensuring that all chemicals entering commerce are well characterized and support safe and sustainable design. We work in a collaborative, pre-competitive environment with some of the world’s most respected brands and retailers. 

Over the last seven years, ChemFORWARD has created a first-of-its-kind shared, globally harmonized cloud-based repository of chemical hazard data with a focus on safer alternatives (The Chemical Hazard Data Trust).   

How you will contribute
The Research Toxicologist is a new position that will play a critical role in advancing ChemFORWARD’s mission by serving as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for toxicology research and application with regard to the Chemical Hazard Data Trust (i.e., chemical hazard assessments, or CHAs). This role bridges toxicological data, hazard communication, and product delivery, ensuring that our Data Trust, projects, and reports support high-quality decision-making for internal teams and external stakeholders.

This role will work closely with other members of the Science Team, as well as ChemFORWARD’s trusted community of Assessors (toxicology firms who generate CHAs) and Verifiers (independent peer reviewers). Please note that this is a research, application, and oversight role; it is not NOT a CHA authoring role.

The ideal candidate will embody ChemFORWARD’s core values including people-centric, scientific integrity, collaboration, equity, transparency, and a commitment to advancing safer chemistry through credible, actionable data.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Serve as Chemical Hazard SME: Act as the lead SME for toxicological matters resulting from CHA generation, verification, and application.
   1. Take an active role in the community of practice calls with Assessors and Verifiers (A/Vs), including monthly content generation.
   2. Support CHA arbitration calls when technical or data disputes arise.
   3. Develop and maintain a firm, expert understanding of data interpretation and classification according to GHS and CLP-based methods.
   4. Provide technical support for user application of hazard data in decision making and research as needed.
2. Project Manage & Execute Research Projects: Lead research projects for customers, NGO, governmental, academic, and other partners. Partner with the Collaboratives team to scope and ensure on-time delivery. Emerging areas of interest include: polymers, pesticides, endocrine disrupting chemicals, food additives, VOCs, and PFAS alternatives.
3. Cheminformatics & Innovation: Support ChemFORWARD’s forthcoming integration of machine-learning, AI-assisted, and other automation methods to streamline and reduce level of effort for CHA generation. Bring a desire to learn-as-you-go, proactively identifying benefits and risks of proposed innovative approaches.
4. Technical Lead for Trade Name Assessment Program: Serve as technical lead for the ChemFORWARD SAFER™ verification program for trade name hazard assessments in close partnership with the program manager. Certification criteria oversight, conduct submission reviews, identify further documentation requests, and make final eligibility determinations.
5. Scientific Outreach & Program Evolution: Play a strategic role in scientific outreach, identifying and participating in conferences, webinars, contributing to white papers and/or scientific journals, and other opportunities for ChemFORWARD participation. 

What We Offer

Flexible, remote work environment with a collaborative and mission-driven team.
Competitive salary based on experience and location.
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, and generous paid time off.
Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.

Applications will close July 27, 2026.

Requirements

Core Competencies
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with experience complex, real-world toxicological issues.
Well-developed background in toxicology, chemistry, and chemical hazard assessment processes; experience in the application of global chemicals policy and/or interpretation of predictive toxicology tools is a plus.
Proven ability to translate scientific analysis into clear actionable insights.
Attention to detail and commitment to data quality and transparency.
Comfort working cross-functionally in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Ability to balance scientific rigor with pragmatism and delivery timelines in a growing organization.

Qualifications
Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in toxicology, chemistry, environmental science, or a related field with >3 years professional or practical experience OR
• M.S. in toxicology, chemistry, environmental science, or a related field with >6 years professional or practical experience OR board certification (e.g., DABT).

Other Qualifications

• Familiarity with GHS or GHS-based CHA methods (e.g., US EPA Safer Choice, Cradle to Cradle Certified™, GreenScreen).
• Track record of scientific outreach (publications, conferences, webinars, etc.).
• Hazard communication experience for a variety of audiences.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams (science/technical, product, development, operations) preferred.
• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.