Abdul Khalid Siraj

Dr. Abdul Khalid Siraj is a distinguished cancer genomics researcher focused on the molecular characterization and clinical translation of cancers in Middle Eastern populations. His work integrates genomic, epigenetic, and molecular pathology approaches to define the genetic and biological drivers of breast, colorectal, thyroid, ovarian, and hematologic malignancies. He has identified novel and recurrent germline and somatic mutations in key cancer susceptibility genes, uncovering population specific predispositions and founder mutations across Saudi and regional cohorts. His research has advanced biomarker discovery, therapeutic target identification, and mechanisms of treatment resistance, including prognostic markers in breast cancer and actionable pathways in colorectal and thyroid tumors. With extensive expertise in molecular assay development and next generation sequencing, Dr. Siraj has contributed significantly to precision oncology by enabling accurate mutation detection and guiding risk assessment, prognostication, and targeted therapy strategies for understudied populations.

Cancer genomics with a focus on Middle Eastern populations.

Molecular characterization of breast, colorectal, thyroid, ovarian, and hematologic cancers.

Germline and somatic mutations in cancer susceptibility genes (e.g., BRCA1/2, APC, PIK3CA, MMR genes)

Epigenetic profiling and biomarker identification for prognosis and therapeutic response.

Mechanisms of treatment resistance and development of targeted therapy strategies.

Next generation sequencing (NGS) and molecular assay development for clinical applications.

Translational oncology, integrating genomic insights into risk assessment and patient management.

Identification of population specific genetic predispositions and founder mutations in regional cohorts.

Dr. Abdul Khalid Siraj is a senior cancer genomics scientist with an extensive record of progressive research leadership spanning more than two decades. He has served as Senior Scientist at KFNCCC&R since 2015, following earlier appointments as Scientist (2012–2015), Postdoctoral Fellow (2007–2012), Research Associate (2004–2007), and Research Assistant (2000–2004). His foundational laboratory experience was established at KFSH&RC as Research Technical Assistant (1995–1999) and Research Technician (1999–2000), preceded by early research training at the Freeman Group of Hospitals, Newcastle Upon Tyne (1993–1994). He currently leads Translational Oncology Research and has held the role of Deputy Chairman of Human Cancer Genomic Research since 2014-2024. Dr. Siraj contributes significantly to capacity building through supervision of junior staff and structured training of summer trainees. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology (2007) and a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (1995) from the University of Sunderland, supported by comprehensive foundational studies in biomedical sciences.