Careers within the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) Laura Williams BSc MSc (Tox) Scientific Administrator NPIS (Birmingham Unit)

About me Studied BSc Bioinformatics 2004 – 2007 Worked for a year in a Market Research Company Studied MSc Toxicology 2008 – 2009 Employed at the NPIS (Birmingham Unit) 2009 - Present

BSc Bioinformatics Biology and Computer Science Biochemistry modules 40 credit computerised project in third year

MSc Toxicology Module 1 Metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics Linked in well with Biochemistry modules Module 2 Pharmacological, forensic and clinical aspects of toxicology Lectures from my current employers

MSc Toxicology Module 3 Molecular and cellular mechanisms of toxicity and carcinogenesis Expanded on biochemistry modules Module 4 Toxicology in Practice: Safety assessment in industry and the environment Useful overview of day-to-day workings

MSc written project Where I went How it went Writing of report Viva

MSc project 3 months Astra Zeneca Investigating TARDIS assay looking at etoposides inhibiting spermatogenesis

Skills learnt Undergraduate degree Overview of biology Basic human anatomy Cell proliferation and mutation Computer languages including website building, database management

Skills learnt MSc Toxicology Detailed understanding of poisons and what makes a poison Detailed understanding of clinical toxicology Overview of many jobs available

National Poisons Information Service Four units across the UK Birmingham Cardiff Newcastle Edinburgh

National Poisons Information Service 24 hour telephone line Provides advice to healthcare professionals TOXBASE Website/database which has information on poisonings

National Poisons Information Service Research and development of literature Updating other government resources Information and research service for more complex enquiries

Birmingham Unit Director Deputy Director Manager Scientific Administrator Nine Scientists Information Officer

My role To support the unit as needed Maintain the NPIS Literature Database and website Contribute to literature being written for the unit Help deal with complex enquiries

Literature Creation of a book on Current toxicology of pesticides Development of chapters for the Medicine Journal Updates for books such as the BNF etc Papers and presentations at the EAPCCT Congress and published in Clinical Toxicology

NPIS Literature Database and NPIS website Developed in 2011 Website for members of the public Literature database for all scientists to have access to the most recent literature Creation of monthly publication Current Awareness in Clinical Toxicology

Specialist in Poisons Information (SPI) Answer telephone enquiries and support the 24 hour rota across the UK Create TOXBASE entries and update current entries Continuing CPD by presenting within the Unit, at other NPIS meetings and at European meetings

Topics of interest Pesticides Thallium Metals Lead Zinc Chelation

Topics of interest Household products Liquid detergent capsules Dishwasher tablets Drugs Alcohol Paracetamol

Medicolegal cases and occupational toxicology Zinc case Methyl iodide case Arsenic Lead

Other areas of my job Ministry of Defence REACH Guidelines UKCPI Guidelines Medicolegal work Patient/Hospital work

Skills needed for my job Ability to communicate with many different people Patients Doctors Government organisations

Skills needed for my job Time management Ability to work by yourself Prioritise Project management Individual learning

Skills needed for my job Team work Develop TOXBASE entries with other people Discuss calls coming in Collaborate on projects

Skills needed for my job Writing and presentation skills Preparing papers for publications Analysing statistics Presenting at and creating posters for meetings

How I got into my job Application form Assessment of skills Abstract Public bulletin TOXBASE entry Interview

Interview Focussed on past experience What I have learnt from the course that I could apply to the job Previous knowledge with regard to Clinical Toxicology Previous job experience and team leader experience

Interview My time at Macclesfield, Astra Zeneca and what I achieved there Presentations I had given on the course and ability to research and learn independently Ability to write proficiently and analyse large amounts of data

How I got into my job A job that allowed me to develop skills and increase learning Allowed me to help people so I could see a direct result A definite structure rather than a University based job

More information www.npis.org http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/taught/biosciences/toxicology.aspx Laura.Williams@npis.org

Any further questions? Thank you for listening and please ask me any questions you have!