HR for Dummies: Abbott Labs Can't Find Anyone With a Science Degree

(MoneyWatch)  The FDA sent a warning letter to Abbott Labs (ABT) that said, in essence, its diabetes diagnostics staff are a bunch of dummies. Four managers at the Alameda, Calif., were cited as lacking the college degrees required for their positions. Abbott also failed to find someone with five years' experience as a regulatory affairs manager despite a four-month "global" search by Abbott, the FDA said.

Although the letter makes Abbott look ridiculous -- Abbott's director of quality systems has a business degree instead of a science degree! -- it should be quietly cheered in the cubicles of Big Pharma's human resources departments. When your firm has tens of thousands of employees and you need to recruit qualified individuals en masse, there's only one way to do it: A strong HR recruiting department that knows its business inside out. Abbott doesn't have much of an excuse. We've got 9 percent unemployment and you can't find someone with a bachelor's degree? Really, Abbott?

Among the Abbott staff's failings, the FDA said:

a. The job description for the Director of Quality Systems requires that the person have a Bachelor of Science/Technical/or Engineering discipline. The person holding the position does not have this type of degree, but rather a Business Administration degree. b. The person holding the Regulatory Affairs Manager position lacks the minimum of 5 years of regulatory experience required in the job description. c. The person holding the Quality Control Supervisor position lacks the required Bachelor degree in science or the alternative five to eight years experience in Quality Control. d. The person holding the Calibration Coordinator position lacks the required Bachelor degree and the four years of relevant experience.

Abbott found a replacement "Regulatory Affairs Manager" but that person also did not have the proper resume. "You stated that you are conducting a global review of personnel [to find someone for the job]. However, this process is ongoing and evidence of its completion and effectiveness was not provided," the FDA complained.

So, Abbott, let me do you a solid. If any of my readers need a new gig, send your resumes to: Heather L. Mason, president, Abbott Laboratories, 1360 South Loop Road, Alameda, CA 94502. You're welcome!

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