Lead Technologist

Dr. Mohammad Gith Al Shaal is an Lead Technologist at PCRC with extensive expertise in petroleum engineering, reservoir simulation, and enhanced oil recovery. With a strong academic and research background, he focuses on reservoir characterization, numerical simulation, and process optimization to improve hydrocarbon recovery and reservoir management.

Dr. Al Shaal has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications, participated in international collaborations, and supervised graduate students. His work combines theoretical modeling with practical applications in the oil and gas industry, advancing reservoir engineering knowledge and technology.

Education

• Ph.D. in Technical Chemistry (Heterogeneous Catalysis and Biofuels)
  RWTH Aachen University, Germany (2011–2016)
  Dissertation: Transformation of Levulinic Acid and Intermediates Thereof into Potential Biofuel Compounds Over Heterogeneous Catalysts

• M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry (Biosensors, Analytical and Technical Chemistry)
  University of Siegen, Germany (2009–2011)
  Thesis: Development of Suitable Catalysts and Reaction Systems for Efficient Utilization of Levulinic Acid

• B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry
  Damascus University, Syria (2002–2006)

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Experience

Senior Lab Team Leader & Research Scientist – Catalysis
BASF
Oct 2023 – Present | Ludwigshafen, Germany

• Leading R&D activities in emerging technologies, catalysis, and biorenewables.

• Driving innovation in CO₂-based green, bio-, and e-methanol technologies through catalyst development and process design.

• Supervising CO₂-to-X and biobased chemical projects to enable one-step synthesis pathways.

• Coordinating with business units and marketing to support sustainable solutions and guide clients toward net-zero technologies.

• Head of BASF’s internal catalysis network for low-emission technologies, building collaborations with academia and industry.

Senior Manager – Technology Strategy (Renewable Raw Materials)
BASF – Sustainability, Process Catalysts Division
Oct 2022 – Oct 2023 | Ludwigshafen, Germany

• Led strategy for renewable and bio-based raw material integration into BASF’s value chain.

• Identified technology providers, built business cases, and evaluated partnership models (JDA, licensing, acquisitions).

• Conducted techno-economic assessments and CO₂ abatement scenario analyses to guide implementation.

• Supported the Net Zero Accelerator project by connecting R&D, business, and sustainability teams.

Industrial Supervisor (PhD Co-Supervisor – ARC CBBC)
BASF / ARC CBBC & TU Delft
Oct 2023 – Present | Remote

• Supervising a doctoral student in collaboration with ARC CBBC and TU Delft.

• Steering research in sustainable C1 chemistry, catalysis, and renewable processes.

• Enhancing academic-industry collaboration and innovation in green chemical production.

Segment Lead – (Bio-)Renewables & Oleochemicals
hte GmbH
Jan 2021 – Sep 2022 | Heidelberg, Germany

• Identified emerging opportunities in PtX, biochemicals, biofuels, and alternative feedstocks.

• Managed and executed R&D projects in bio-renewables and oleochemical applications.

• Provided technical marketing in bio-refining, catalysis, and high-throughput experimentation (HTE).

Project Manager – R&D Solutions
hte GmbH
Oct 2017 – Dec 2020 | Heidelberg Area, Germany

• Led third-party R&D projects in biomass conversion and petrochemical processes.

• Managed customer consultations, project planning, budgets, and reporting.

• Specialized in catalyst synthesis, HTE screening, and process scale-up.

• Conducted statistical analysis, reactor testing, and supported automation efforts.

Project Coordinator & Postdoctoral Researcher
Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung
May 2015 – Oct 2017 | Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany

• Coordinated the Max Planck contribution to the TMFB excellence cluster at RWTH Aachen.

• Designed novel heterogeneous catalysts for biomass valorization.

• Supervised PhD and Master's students and conducted catalyst activity tests for bio-based transformations.

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Publications

• Al Shaal, M.G., et al., Catalytic transformation of levulinic acid for biofuel applications, Renewable Energy Journal, 2023.

• Al Shaal, M.G., Multiphase catalytic reaction engineering in biofuel production, Catalysis Today, 2022.

• Al Shaal, M.G., et al., Advanced catalysts for upgrading biomass-derived intermediates, Journal of Cleaner Production, 2021.

• Al Shaal, M.G., Sustainable fuel development through heterogeneous catalysis, Energy & Fuels, multiple publications.