Martin Steinau
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Dynamic health scientist with extensive experience in all aspects of laboratory testing, excelling in process optimization and project management. Proven track record in enhancing diagnostic performance, throughput and efficiency through strategic collaborations. Adept at analytical thinking and team leadership, driving impactful initiatives in diagnostic testing and laboratory capacity building.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director of Science
CDC Namibia
09.2025 - Current
- Led program development initiatives to enhance community health outcomes in Namibia: review and advise on publication material.
- Collaborated with Namibian Ministry of Health to align strategic objectives with operational activities: lead study to verify national HIV diagnostics practice.
- Provide scientific, managerial expertise and leadership to develop and execute activities within PEPFAR cooperative agreements, supporting and improving laboratory capacities for Namibia’s health care system.
Snr. Laboratory Advisor
CDC Namibia
09.2023 - Current
- Advised local landholders on laboratory and public health initiatives to enhance diagnostic performance and timely delivery.
- Provide scientific, managerial expertise and leadership to develop and execute activities within the U.S. foreign asisstence program, supporting and improving laboratory capacities for Namibia’s health care system.
- Collaborated with local organizations to implement health promotion campaigns effectively.
- Evaluated program outcomes to ensure alignment with strategic health and diagnostic objectives (aprox.30 activities)
- Facilitated workshops and seminars to educate communities about advanced laboratory methods such as HIV and TB drug resistance testing and sequence analysis.
Health Scientist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
07.2018 - 09.2023
- Performed laboratory work and result analysis for HIV detection, genotyping, and drug resistance (DR) profiling. Conducted confirmatory testing for partnering laboratories in Africa and Asia.
- Lead investigator for new laboratory methods and equipment for automation, and increased throughput of DR testing; performance evaluation, and development of new protocols. Fostered and maintained collaborations with industry partners.
- Developed, distributed, and validated proficiency testing panels for HIV genotyping and drug resistance testing in collaboration with the WHO.
- Advised international CDC offices and health departments in conducting public health studies, such as HIV prevalence surveillance and Continuous Acquired Drug Resistance Monitoring (CADRE) studies, in Zambia, Namibia, and South Africa.
Branch Chief / Lab Advisor
CDC Zambia
03.2016 - 07.2018
- Planned, led, and managed PEPFAR-funded, CDC-supported laboratory activities in Zambia, including laboratory systems strengthening, surveillance, diagnostics, and clinical monitoring. Increased national capacity for HIV treatment monitoring 20-fold to two mil. tests/y.
- Advised and worked closely with local and international partners, including the Zambia Ministry of Health (MoH), National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), USAID, UN (e.g., UNAIDS, WHO), and non-governmental organizations, on the implementation of laboratory activities
Laboratory Director / Team Lead
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
04.2010 - 03.2016
- Directed operations in the chronic viral diseases laboratory , ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
- Implemented quality control protocols to enhance accuracy and reliability of test results.
- Led cross-functional teams in research initiatives, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Developed strategic plans to optimize laboratory workflows and increase efficiency through automation and electronic information flow.
- Responsible for all technical aspects of method development and optimization for HPV detection and typing. Evaluated commercial molecular kits and in-house developed assays for their use as clinical and research tests.
Senior Service Fellow / Microbiologist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
05.2004 - 04.2010
- Served as an investigative microbiologist, an expert on nucleic acid-based laboratory tests, and lab automation. Responsible for all technical aspects of method development and optimization for HPV detection and typing.
- Evaluated commercial molecular kits and in-house developed assays for their use as clinical and research tests.
- Provided guidance, training, and technical expertise to laboratory technologists, as well as troubleshooting skills when needed.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
05.2002 - 05.2004
- Performed research to explore RNA profiling for cervical cancer detection. Utilized microarray and TaqMan PCR technology to evaluate and validate molecular biomarkers for the early detection of cancer.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Principles in Epidemiology
University Of South Florida
Tampa, FL01-2013
PhD - Molecular Genetics
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS05-2002
Master of Science - Horticultural Science
Gottfried Leibnitz Universität
Hannover, Germany08-1998
Skills
- Analytical thinking Problem solving
- Sample processing
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Data management
- Laboratory automation
- Project management
Timeline
Associate Director of Science
CDC Namibia
09.2025 - Current
Snr. Laboratory Advisor
CDC Namibia
09.2023 - Current
Health Scientist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
07.2018 - 09.2023
Branch Chief / Lab Advisor
CDC Zambia
03.2016 - 07.2018
Laboratory Director / Team Lead
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
04.2010 - 03.2016
Senior Service Fellow / Microbiologist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
05.2004 - 04.2010
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
05.2002 - 05.2004
Graduate Certificate - Principles in Epidemiology
University Of South Florida
PhD - Molecular Genetics
Kansas State University
Master of Science - Horticultural Science
Gottfried Leibnitz Universität