Christos Gekas

About Christos Gekas

Passionate Ph.D. in Biology (cell/molecular and stem cell biology) with 15+ years of experience in computational biology, data science, and oncology drug discovery. As Principal Research Scientist at AbbVie, I lead 20+ scientists to drive novel target discovery, integrating AI/ML, multi-omics data (RNAseq, WES, proteomics), and CRISPR/Cas12 screens with patient-derived genomics (DepMap, Caris/ConcertAI, GENIE, TCGA). My expertise in Python (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy, Dash) powers AI-driven tools to visualize perturbation data and predict therapeutic responses, published in Nature Cancer (2024, shared 1st author). With a publication record (h-index: 15, 2,915 citations) and Green Card holder (previously O-1A Extraordinary Ability Visa), I’m dedicated to advancing precision medicine.Key Achievements• Lead AI/ML-driven oncology target discovery at AbbVie, building Python-based tools for omics analysis, earning the 2024 “Outstanding Research Team of the Year” Award.• Published in Nature Cancer (2024), Leukemia (2016), Blood (2013, 391 citations), and Dev Cell (2005, 886 citations).• Directed assay development at Notable Labs, collaborating with Stanford, MD Anderson, UCSF on 10+ projects.• Secured funding for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) reprogramming, identifying biomarkers via computational genomics.Technical ExpertiseComputational Biology & Data Science:• AI/ML: Deep learning, transfer learning, unsupervised/supervised learning (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn).• Bioinformatics: NGS analysis (RNAseq, WES, single-cell), CRISPR screen analysis, somatic variant interpretation (COSMIC, ClinVar, OncoKB), IGV/BAM analysis, Linux/bash, R, UCSC Genome Browser.• Programming: Python (Pandas, NumPy, Plotly Dash), Jupyter, GraphPad Prism, Excel.Cell & Molecular Biology:• Flow Cytometry: 10-color flow (LSR2, iQue, ZE5), 384-well HTS flow, FACS sorting, FlowJo.• Stem Cells: Embryonic stem cells, HSCs, stromal co-cultures, methylcellulose HSPC assays.• Molecular Techniques: qRT-PCR, CRISPR/Cas9, Cas12, base editing, cloning, viral vectorsOncology• Deep expertise in druggable targets and signaling pathways.• Assay Development: High-throughput screening, ex vivo tissue culture, assays for inhibitors and PROTACs.Animal Models:• Experience with in vivo cancer models and HSC transplantation.Collaborative and driven, I thrive at the intersection of biology and technology, leveraging biological and computational expertise to innovate in digital biology and precision medicine.

Experience

1. Principal Research Scientist i

   AbbVie

   Jul 2022 — Present · South San Francisco, CA, US

   Led a multidisciplinary team of 3 direct reports and 20–30 cross-functional members (biologists, functional genomics experts, bioinformaticians) to discover novel oncology targets using CRISPR, base-editing, and small molecule tools, integrating large-scale omics data (RNAseq, WES, proteomics) with patient-derived genomics (DepMap, Caris/ConcertAI, GENIE, TCGA).• Developed and deployed Python-based web applications (Dash, scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy, PyTorch) to visualize perturbation data (CRISPR, tiling, base editing) and apply deep learning/transfer learning for mechanistic hypothesis generation and prediction of drug responses in real-world data (RWD) datasets, culminating in a high-impact publication (Nature Cancer, 2024, shared first author).• Optimized computational pipelines for large-scale genomics and neoantigen analysis, leveraging high-performance computing to enhance drug discovery pipelines. • Served as a core member of AbbVie’s Tumor Dependencies Discovery Program Committee, providing strategic oversight for the entire early oncology pipeline from exploratory to candidate nomination stages for 3+ years. • Served as Biology Lead for external CRO partnerships targeting undruggable oncogenes, utilizing advanced computational tools for data-driven insights.• Recognized with AbbVie’s 2024 “Outstanding Research Team of the Year” Award, the Vice-Presidents Discovery Research Impact Awards (2022 and 2023), and Oncology Discovery Annual Award (2023) for innovative contributions to the oncology discovery pipeline.

Education

• UCLA

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Hematopoietic Stem Cells

  2007 — 2008

• Harvard Medical School

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Hematopoietic Stem Cells

  2002 — 2004

• The Faculty of Engineering at Lund University

  Chemical Engineering

  1996 — 1998

• Lund University

  M.Sc; Master's program, Biomedical; Biomedicine; Chemical Engineering

  1996 — 2001

• Lund University

  Obtained the title of Master of Science in Biomedicine (M.Sc), Lund Graduate School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research

  2001 — 2002

Skills

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (Pcr)
• Molecular Cloning
• Animal Models
• Research
• Genetics
• Graphpad Prism
• Flow Cytometry
• Stem Cells
• Life Sciences
• Cell
• Laboratory
• Rna Isolation
• Cell Culture
• Bioinformatics
• Pcr
• Tissue Culture
• Molecular Biology
• Fluorescence Microscopy
• Viruses
• Immunology
• Rt-Pcr
• Microscopy
• Lifesciences
• Hematology
• Cell Based Assays
• Facs
• Dna
• Cell Biology
• Transfection