What happens when a researchers assignment is changing at the time the incumbent is due for panel review?
Particular attention focuses on the position description, because some researchers are afraid that their most recent work will be “lost” if they are forced to describe the new assignment rather than the one they are leaving (or just left). ARS policy requires that Factors 1-3 address the current research assignment. “Current” means “the next 3 to 4 years” (Manual 431.3-ARS, Chapter 3). Because panel reviews sometimes occur very near to a period of assignment change–including reassignment between Areas–two steps should be taken to draw panelist attention to the fact that a change has occurred (or will shortly occur): (a) include a statement in Element A of Factor 1 identifying the assignment as new, for example: “This is a new assignment as of month/year;” and, (b) highlight the change in Element D 3) of Factor 4 (Other Significant Information), and summarize the past assignment. See Manual 431.3-ARS, Chapter 6. ARS panelists know that assignment changes are routine events throughout
