- Horse Riding
- Reading
- Anything Sci-fi
Karen A. Townson
Bury St Edmunds,Suffolk
Summary
Professional summary Operational lab leader with 10+ years running complex discovery laboratory environments across AZ/MedImmune and Avantor. Delivers safe, compliant, and efficient labs through asset uptime, vendor and contractor management, SOP governance, and technician team leadership. Builds strong relationships with scientists and facilities to enable high-quality, reproducible research. Track record in Lean/5S, KPI reporting, and cost and time savings, with experience across CL1/CL2 and in vivo support. Laboratory professional with experience in overseeing daily lab operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and managing inventory. Skilled in staff training, quality control, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. Adept at maintaining accurate records and fostering collaborative working environment. Organised Laboratory Manager with strong track record in managing laboratory operations and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, streamline processes, and improve workflow efficiency. Proficient in utilising advanced laboratory equipment and software to drive accurate results. Brings collaborative approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement. Eager to contribute to innovative projects and foster productive work environment.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Manager
Avantor/ VWR
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
10.2023 - Current
- Own safety culture in area: PPE adherence, near-miss reporting, and monthly Gemba; closed [e.g., 100%] audit actions within target timelines.
- Plan and coordinate PPM and reactive maintenance across >200 assets with >10 vendors, achieving [e.g., >98% uptime] and minimizing downtime scheduling conflicts.
- Drive process improvements across materials flow, housekeeping, and equipment readiness; delivered [e.g., 15% reduction] in service turnaround time through vendor scheduling changes and 5S.
- Co-develop SOPs for reagent and consumables handling, improving traceability and reducing waste by [e.g., 12%].
- Operate as single point of contact for a defined lab suite within DISC, ensuring safety compliance, operational continuity, and scientist satisfaction.
- Track and report innovations monthly; implemented 24 improvements adopted across >50 labs.
- Supported various projects at AstraZeneca Cambridge
- Mentored staff to enable professional development and progression.
- Supervised technical work according to applicable best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Delivered clear task directions and responded accordingly to employee inquiries about assigned job duties.
Laboratory Manager
Avantor/ VWR
Cambridge , Cambridgeshire
09.2021 - Current
- Led team of 4–6 lab technicians across two Cambridge sites, ensuring service continuity above 99%.
- Managed daily KPIs and escalations, achieving continuous improvement through Lean 5S, increasing audit scores from 30% to 90%.
- Coordinated equipment maintenance and third-party servicing, reducing overdue PPM by 60%.
- Conducted safety audits and Gemba, documenting findings in Enablon/ProcessMap, ensuring timely closure.
- Collaborated with stakeholders on recruitment and onboarding, enhancing time-to-competency by 25%.
Senior Associate Scientist
MedImmune
07.2016 - 08.2018
- Supported smooth running of in vivo facility; maintained high-standard records, welfare, and daily study operations.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure protocol compliance and data integrity.
Scientist / Facility Manager – Team Leader
Pfizer Ltd
10.2008 - 05.2016
- Led 4–6 technicians; managed safety meetings, inspections, and QMS audit logging (ProcessMap/Enablon).
- Managed gas safety, servicing, calibration, PAT, and consumable supply/stock rotation.
- Acted as NACWO and NTCO; maintained training records and competence checks.
- Worked in CL1 and CL2 and labs; executed aseptic techniques and surgical support.
- Performed ex vivo/histology (processing, cutting, staining) and buffer/media prep.
In Vivo Scientist
GlaxoSmithKline
07.2006 - 09.2008
- Ran studies, ensured animal welfare, stock control, and training, upheld H&S and documentation standards.
Scientist
Merck, Sharp & Dohme
06.1995 - 03.2006
- Conducted studies, supported surgery and veterinary care, maintained aseptic standards, and managed stock/training.
Education
Management Training Course -
Nova Associates
01.2023
NACWO - Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer
01.2017
BTEC for science -
Westminster’s College
01.1997
Skills
- Lab Operations Management
- Safety
- Quality & Compliance
- Equipment & Asset Management
- Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- People Leadership
- Process Improvement
- Data & Reporting
- Safety compliance
- Process improvement
- Equipment maintenance
- Team leadership
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-townson-b2023982/
Hobbies and Interests
- Equestrian
- Dog walking
- Comedy and Sci-fi films
- Support for animal charities (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Rosemary’s Farm, St John Ambulance)
Interests
Timeline
Laboratory Manager
Avantor/ VWR
10.2023 - Current
Laboratory Manager
Avantor/ VWR
09.2021 - Current
Senior Associate Scientist
MedImmune
07.2016 - 08.2018
Scientist / Facility Manager – Team Leader
Pfizer Ltd
10.2008 - 05.2016
In Vivo Scientist
GlaxoSmithKline
07.2006 - 09.2008
Scientist
Merck, Sharp & Dohme
06.1995 - 03.2006
Management Training Course -
Nova Associates
NACWO - Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer
BTEC for science -
Westminster’s College