Karen M. Tkaczyk, Ph.D.
Summary and Experience
Freelance translator
My clients are mainly translation agencies. A very high percentage of my work
is technical translation for major pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies. The following
are examples of recent projects:
Chemistry patents and patent related legal texts
Internal communications
for pharmaceutical and cosmetic
active ingredients and final products including technical files, reports and presentations
mainly with a Research and Development focus.
Laboratory procedures
Quality Specifications and Certificates of Conformance for chemicals and end products
Volumes of Clinical Trial reports and results for vaccines, cosmetics and veterinary
products
Articles on chemical and biological topics for technical websites and conference
presentations
Skilled at communicating ideas clearly and effectively and working well under pressure.
Superb business etiquette and responsiveness.
Extremely well organized multi-tasker who pays great attention to detail. Extensive computer skills.
TRADOS 7.5 user.
US permanent resident.
British citizen.
Education
1994 - 1998 Doctor of Philosophy
Queens’ College, University of Cambridge,
UK
I obtained my Ph.D. in the area of Synthetic Organic Chemistry under the supervision
of Dr Stuart Warren. My project was in the area of Asymmetric Synthetic Methodology
and was funded in collaboration with Zeneca (now AstraZeneca).
1997 Diploma in French
Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, UK
I received this diploma “with Credit”. It tested translation, comprehension and oral skills.
1990 - 1994 Master of Chemistry with French
University of Manchester, UK
This degree included a one year industrial placement in France (detailed below). My final year
specialization was in Medicinal Chemistry. I received the Final Year Prize and the Glaxo prize
for best Organic Chemistry Project.
Career History & Accomplishments
1999 - 2001 Head Chemist then Quality Assurance Manager
Darja Laboratories, Inc., Minden, Nevada
- Responsible for Product Development, efficient laboratory function and project coordination.
- Promoted to Quality Assurance function to ensure smooth running of ISO 9001 Quality Assurance system
including all aspects of auditing, documentation and quality assurance.
1998 - 1999 Development Chemist
Bristol Meyers Squibb, Swords Laboratories, Dublin, Ireland
- Developed chemistry of two multi-step syntheses and supervised their
implementation into pilot plant and full scale manufacture..
1998 Development Chemist
SmithKline Beecham Manufacturing, County Cork, Ireland
- This was primarily Manufacturing Plant trouble shooting and development work.
- Communicated with suppliers regarding documentation of processes from a
Quality and Legal standpoint eg. Drug Master Files.
- Temporary contract so moved quickly to permanent position at competitor (see above).
1992 - 1993 Research Chemist
Rhone-Poulenc Research Lyons, France.
- I excelled during this one year work placement receiving a 90% grade towards my Master of Chemistry degree.
- My work was on three projects including one which I took from inception to the pilot plant.
- I became bilingual during this time.
Memberships & Affiliations
- Member, American Translators Association
- Member, Northern California Translators Association
- Member, American Chemical Society