Prior to serving as an academic and researcher in the disciplines of Planning and Architecture for over three decades in different countries, Shahed worked as a private consultant. He is currently associated as an adjunct faculty at two universities and engaged as a consultant on a masterplan project. During his academic career in Australia, he has held the positions of the Head of Department Planning and Geography, Director International and Academic Head of Environmental Planning. His research interests include global cities, urban governance, sustainable development, informal settlements, and community development. Shahed has maintained active international engagement and researcher collaborations and led a series of ten annual international study tours of final year urban planning students.