Dr. Shakir was born and raised in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Kurukshetra University in 2011 and obtained his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from Aligarh Muslim University in 2013. He successfully passed the NET (JRF) and GATE examinations during his post-graduation. Later, he joined Dr. Kishor Mohanan's research group at the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow. Dr. Ahamad has significantly contributed to basic research on designing new domino multi-component reactions using diazo compounds, enabling the safe use of these reagents in preparing important N-heterocycles. Under the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute program for drug discovery, he worked on the design, discovery, and pre-clinical development of new small-molecule therapeutics with particular emphasis on HIV, parasitic diseases, and hyperlipidemia. Several molecules he has designed have shown promising biological activities against various diseases. Specifically, he has focused on the pre-clinical advancement of aminopyridine-derived PCSK-9 inhibitors (CDRI-S-017-0594) for their anti-hyperlipidemic activity, aminopropanols for their anti-malarial properties, and nucleosides as agents against HIV. Subsequently, he joined Dr Tejender Thkurs's lab at CDRI, focusing primarily on the development of a supramolecular formulation for CDK4/6 inhibitors, specifically Palbociclib and Ribociclib. He also successfully formulated the CSIR-CDRI's potent anti-breast cancer lead molecule into a more soluble and stable solid form. For his contributions, the CSIR-CDRI awarded him incentive awards in chemical sciences twice, in 2017 and 2020.

His current research interests revolve around discovering new chemical entities for treating HIV, malaria, hyperlipidemia, and neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, his research interests encompass organic synthesis, targeted drug delivery, and formulation strategies to enhance the oral bioavailability of poorly absorbed drugs. His research findings have been extensively published in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Discovery Today, Organic Letters, Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis, European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, and the Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry.