Research strategy consultation
| Activity | Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Research materials review | 0.5 | $50 |
| Scientific consultation | 1.0 | $100 |
| Written recommendations | 0.5 | $50 |
| Total example | 2.0 | $200 |
PRICING
Transparent scientific pricing.
Pay for the scientific work required. Computing expenses are itemized. Estimates state their assumptions, and work stays within the budget you approve.
FIRST STEP
$100
Initial scientific consultation
15-minute preliminary review and 45-minute live discussion, with a brief summary of suggested next steps.
PROFESSIONAL TIME
$100/hour
Scientific consulting
Approved project preparation, methodological design, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Tracked in 15-minute increments.
WORKED EXAMPLES
What a project might cost
These defined examples show how estimates are calculated. A different molecular system or request can take more or less time.
Molecular-dynamics study design
| Activity | Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Objective and input review | 1.0 | $100 |
| Feasibility assessment | 1.5 | $150 |
| Protocol and controls | 2.5 | $250 |
| Compute estimate and review | 1.0 | $100 |
| Total example | 6.0 | $600 |
EXAMPLE 03
Managed molecular-dynamics study
One supported protein–ligand system, three independent 50 ns replicas, standard preparation, agreed QC, analysis, and reporting. Total target sampling: 150 ns.
| Scientific labor | Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Intake and protocol review | 1 | $100 |
| Structure and parameter validation | 5 | $500 |
| Configuration and controls | 2 | $200 |
| Execution oversight and QC | 2 | $200 |
| Trajectory analysis | 5 | $500 |
| Reporting and delivery | 3 | $300 |
| Labor subtotal | 18 | $1,800 |
Illustrative computing expense
Assume a compatible GPU achieves 36 ns/day for this molecular system. Total production computation is then approximately 100 GPU-hours.
100 GPU-hours × $0.26$26.00
20 GPU-hour usage allowance × $0.26$5.20
Temporary storage within scopeIncluded
Compute budget subtotal$31.20
Budget illustration$1,831.20
The extra 20 GPU-hours are a contingency allowance, not an automatic charge. Throughput and $0.26/hour are assumptions for illustration, not a benchmark of your system. Actual approved computing billed according to incurred usage.
BILLING POLICY
Clear scope. Clear costs. No unexpected overruns.
Each approved engagement identifies labor, any computing charges, deliverables, and a spending ceiling.
Third-party GPU providers
Documented external rental charges pass through at actual cost, without markup.
Local computing
Charged at a disclosed, agreed cost-recovery rate (initial planning estimate: $0.26/GPU-hour). Hardware suitability and actual usage are recorded.
Data and storage
Standard delivery and limited temporary retention within the agreed scope are included; exceptional storage or transfer is quoted.
Scope changes
Additional work and expenses require approval before exceeding the agreed spending limit. Avoidable technical rework is not automatically billed to the client.