Membership Information
REFERENCES: All FULL, ASSOCIATE and PROMOTIONAL Member applicants must be sponsored by two Full SOFT members in good standing. All Student Member applicants must be sponsored by one Full SOFT member in good standing or academic advisor. FULL MEMBERSHIP: Full (also referred to as "regular") members are those who fulfill the qualifications set forth below. They must pay dues and have full voting privileges. Full membership in SOFT shall be available to individuals who have demonstrated their ability to function as forensic toxicologists as recognized by SOFT and who are actively engaged in forensic toxicology at the time of application. Applicants for Full membership must have the following education degrees and experience in forensic toxicology:
- Ph.D. and 2 years experience
- M.S. and 4 years experience
- B.S. or B.A. and 6 years experience
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: Applicants who do not qualify for Full membership, but who demonstrate interest in forensic toxicology, are eligible for Associate membership. Associate members pay dues but do not have voting privileges and do not qualify for "Retired" status.
STUDENT AFFILIATE MEMBERS: Students pursuing degrees and careers in disciplines related to forensic toxicology may apply for membership as Student Affiliate members. Students seeking advanced degrees and are actively engaged in forensic toxicology need to apply as Full or Associate Members. Student members pay reduced dues and do not have voting privileges.
APPLICANT PRIVILEGES: ToxTalk is the official SOFT newsletter available through the website www.soft-tox.org. Applicants can register for the SOFT annual meeting at the reduced member rate if their application is complete 30 days before the meeting. Typically, if an applicant submits after the meeting deadline, the application fee will be applied for the following year’s dues.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Upon receipt of all application materials (application, application fee of $60 for Full or Associate Members, $15 for Student Affiliate Members, and $0 for Promotional Members, CV, and the appropriate number of references) by the SOFT Administrative Office, documentation will be forwarded to the Secretary and Membership Committee for consideration. All FULL, ASSOCIATE and PROMOTIONAL Member applicants must be sponsored by two Full SOFT Members in good standing. All Student Affiliate Members must be sponsored by one Full SOFT Member in good standing or academic advisor. All reference forms must be received within 60 days after receipt of application. The Secretary, who also serves as chair of the Membership Committee, will notify the applicant of the Membership Committee's determination. If the applicant has met the membership criteria, membership begins on the date of notification.
DUES: Currently, $60 Full or Associate Members, $15 Student Affiliate Members
