Senior Assistant Director of Pharmaceutical Services/Pharmaceutical Specialist I - Toxicologist at Machakos County Public Service Board in Machakos, Kenya

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    Senior Assistant Director of Pharmaceutical Services/Pharmaceutical Specialist I - Toxicologist

    Machakos County Public Service BoardMachakos, Kenya

    Posted

    2 days ago

    Apply by

    9 Sept

    Full Time
    On Site
    Senior
    Government & Public Administration
    Healthcare & Medical

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    Job Description

    This role involves designing and conducting controlled experiments to understand how toxins affect living systems, collecting and analyzing biological and environmental samples, and evaluating hazards and risks associated with chemical exposures. The position also includes working with regulatory bodies, testing consumer products, investigating treatments for toxic exposure, and providing expert testimony. Additionally, the role covers forensic case examination and both laboratory and field studies.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Designing and conducting controlled experiments to understand how toxins affect living systems.
    • Collecting and analyzing biological and environmental samples to identify and quantify harmful substances.
    • Evaluating the potential hazards and risks associated with various chemical exposures to determine safe levels and guide protective measures.
    • Working with regulatory bodies to establish guidelines and policies for the safe use and handling of chemicals.
    • Testing consumer products, such as cosmetics and cleaning supplies, for adverse effects on health.
    • Investigating ways to treat symptoms caused by exposure to harmful materials.
    • Writing reports, presenting findings to stakeholders, and sometimes providing expert testimony in court to explain toxicological evidence.
    • Examining forensic cases to determine if certain drugs or chemicals caused death or other negative outcomes.
    • Performing both laboratory analysis and field studies to investigate toxic substances and their impacts.

    Required Qualifications

    • Bachelor of Pharmacy B Pharm degree from an institution recognized by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
    • Masters' degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology.
    • Certificate of Registration as a Pharmacist by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
    • Valid practicing license from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and a Certificate in Strategic Leadership Development Programme lasting not less than six 6 weeks from a recognized institution.
    • Certificate of Computer application skills from a recognized institution and demonstrated professional competence and managerial capability.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Healthcare & Medical

    Education Level

    Master’s Degree

    Area of Study

    Science

    Field of Study

    Pharmacology and Toxicology

    Languages

    English

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the Machakos County Public Service Board careers portal at jobs.machakos.go.ke.

    Master the Toxicology Interview: From Lab Bench to Regulatory Table

    This senior role blends deep scientific expertise with leadership and regulatory influence. Hiring panels will probe both your technical command of toxicology and your ability to translate findings into policy and managerial action.

    1. Showcase your research depth: Be ready to discuss your master's thesis or any published work in pharmacology and toxicology. Explain your experimental design, data analysis, and how your findings could inform safety guidelines.

    2. Demonstrate regulatory knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board's guidelines and international standards like OECD or ICH. Mention specific regulations you've worked with and how you ensured compliance.

    3. Highlight managerial capability: Provide examples of leading teams, managing projects, or mentoring junior staff. Use the STAR method to structure your stories, emphasizing outcomes and your leadership role.

    4. Prepare for case studies: You may be given a scenario involving a chemical exposure or product safety issue. Practice structuring your response: identify the hazard, assess risk, propose mitigation, and communicate the plan.

    5. Emphasize communication skills: Toxicologists often present to non-scientific stakeholders. Prepare a brief explanation of a complex toxicological concept in simple terms, showing your ability to bridge the gap.

    6. Show your computer proficiency: Be ready to discuss software you've used for data analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Excel) and any laboratory information management systems. Highlight your ability to manage data securely and accurately.

    7. Understand the county context: Research Machakos County's health priorities and any recent public health issues related to chemicals or pharmaceuticals. Tailor your answers to show how your expertise can address local challenges.

    8. Ask insightful questions: Prepare questions about the department's current toxicology projects, collaboration with other agencies, and opportunities for professional development. This shows genuine interest and strategic thinking.

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    Tags

    toxicology
    pharmacology
    regulatory affairs
    laboratory analysis
    forensic science