Helen Murray began her career at Miles Laboratories in Elkhart, Indiana, initially as a quality control chemist. This was during World War II, when many men were serving in the military, creating opportunities for women in science.

Helen met Alfred Free, who also worked at Miles Laboratories. They shared a passion for chemistry and a dedication to their work.

Helen and Alfred Free married in 1947. They formed a strong personal and professional partnership, collaborating on numerous research projects and contributing significantly to the field of diagnostic chemistry.

Helen and Alfred Free collaborated on the development of Clinistix, the first dip-and-read diagnostic test for glucose in urine. This revolutionary product simplified diabetes monitoring and made it more accessible to patients.

Over several decades, Helen and Alfred Free and their team developed a wide range of dip-and-read diagnostic tests for various conditions, including kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and other metabolic disorders. These tests revolutionized medical diagnostics, providing quick, convenient, and affordable tools for healthcare professionals and patients.

Helen became Director of Marketing Services for the Ames Division of Miles Laboratories. The role allowed her to bring her expertise and understanding of medical diagnostic products closer to the market, improving the products effectiveness.

Helen's contributions were recognized with her appointment as Senior Research Associate at Miles Laboratories, a testament to her scientific achievements and leadership.

Helen continued to contribute to the company as a consultant when Miles Laboratories was acquired by Bayer.

Helen Murray Free retired from Bayer Corporation after a distinguished career of over four decades. However, she remained active in the scientific community and continued to advocate for science education.