Clinical & Research Background

Karen Reed

Graduate Employment

August 1992 - January 1994: University of Oxford, UK

Position: Medical Research Technician at the Nuffiield Department of Surgery, John Radcliffe Hospital; member of Professor John Todd's team investigating the genetics of Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes.

December 1994 - November 1996: Oxford Bioresearch Laboratory, Oxford Science Park, UK

Position: Research Scientist. Initial responsibilities at this start-up company were focused upon setting up and organising the laboratory. Having previous experience in cell culture, I also provided support to the Cell Biology Group in setting up their cell lines. Later responsibilities lay within the Protein Chemistry Group in assay development, whilst overseeing the running of the laboratory.

January 1997 - June 1997: NAPP Laboratories Limited, Cambridge Science Park, UK

Position: Clinical Supplies Scientist; maternity cover, temporary contract

July 1997 - present: Freelance Medical Writer

Publications: The Early Research Papers

University of Oxford; Genetics of Type 1 Diabetes

Davies JL, Kawaguchi Y, Bennett ST, Copeman JB, Cordell HJ, Pritchard LE, Reed PW, Gough SCL, Jenkins SC, Palmer SM, Balfour KM, Rowe BR, Farrall M, Barnett AH, Bain SC, Todd JA (1994) A genome-wide search for human type 1 diabetes susceptibility genes. Nature 371: 130-136

Reed PW, Davies JL, Copeman JB, Bennett ST, Palmer SM, Pritchard LE, Gough SL, Kawaguchi Y, Cordell HJ, Balfour KM, Jenkins SC, Powell EE, Vignal A, Todd JA (1994) Chromosome-specific microsatellite sets for fluorescent-based, semi-automated genome mapping. Nature Genet 7: 390- 395

Oxford Bioresearch Laboratory; Wound healing, coagulation and fibrinogen chemistry

Marshall JM, Dawson KM, Balfour KM, Ponting CP. Plasminogen variants and streptokinase binding. (1996) Ukr Biokhim Zh Jul-Aug 68:4 30-2

More recent publications can be found in the 'Project Work' section of the Website.

Overview of skills development, prior to becoming a Medical Writer

University of Surrey

The third year of my graduate degree comprised a Professional Training Year; I spent this period working in the Department of Biochemistry, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle. During this time I worked as an MLSO, performing routine assays carried out at the laboratory and acquired a good working knowledge of a variety of biochemical techniques including radio- and immonassay, affinity chromatography and electrophoresis. In addition I gained much experience in the use of automated analysers. A small project involved the evaluation of alternative methods of measuring non-enzymatically glycated human haemoglobin fractions. During the final year of the Medical Biochemistry course a research project was undertaken in which the effect of non-enzymatic glycation of cytochrome P450 enzymes was investigated.

University of Oxford

As an integral member of John Todd’s group my major role was the organisation and management of the laboratory DNA resources. This involved co-ordinating and cataloguing samples, collation of data, the creation and upkeep of computer databases and liason with other groups. I contributed largely toward the assembly of the British Diabetic Association-Warren Repository, a collection of clinical samples from designated diabetic families; this collection is the largest of its kind in the world. Responsibilities included preparation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from fresh human blood samples, culture of cell lines and the large-scale extraction of DNA from both human blood and immortalised cell lines.

Oxford Bioresearch Laboratory

Cell Biology Group

Initial support in the Cell Biology group included setting up cell lines of fibroblasts and keratinocytes from human skin samples and the development of immunolabelling techniques and a Mycoplasma assay, both of which are now used routinely within the company.

Protein Chemistry Group

Work in the Protein Chemistry group included (i) size exclusion HPLC: studies of plasminogen and complex formation with streptokinase and (ii) development of ELISAs and activity assays in plasma and in fibrin sealant for the measurement of a number of proteins involved in human blood coagulation.

Research Support Group

Working in Research Support involved direct supervision of Year in Industry Students. My role in the organisation and management of the laboratory also included the following:-

• Co-ordination of ordering and receiving items: this included the creation of a comprehensive ordering system using Claris® FileMaker Pro software which includes stock control and expenditure control modules. The role involved liason with the Company Director and Accountant with respect to invoice payment, and with the Research Director with respect to expenditure.
• Establishment and maintainance of inventories: this included the creation of a comprehensive freezer database and inventory using Claris® FileMaker Pro software. I was responsible for liasing with the external Auditor with respect to stock and value of consumables held within the laboratory.
• Working with the Research Director to obtain the appropriate licences for the purchase, storage and use of controlled substances.
• Instigation of, and overseeing of, the company ‘Euipment Log’, ensuring all equipment in the laboratory was well maintained, regularly serviced and checked for calibration.

• Fire Officer for the company - formal training from the local Fire Brigade
• Coordinator of the company Reference Library
• Writing and development of the Company Handbook.