CCL: Average Computational Chemistry Contract Research Fees

 Sent to CCL by: Vincent Leroux [vincent.leroux%x%loria.fr]
 Tips from an academic who did not yet come to see if the pastures are
 greener on the other side of the fence (and feeling very uncertain about
 that, despite currently running out of grass) - for what it is worth
 You should go to the next big conference and picture yourself as a
 representative for some company to the stands - not here for signing
 something big right know, but to check the temperature before reporting
 to the heads. If you bring some example cases of "things we are
 considering right now", I guess the Chindian companies will easily give
 you the median prices as a first proposal. As this is all
 contract-based, I suppose that in many cases there is no such thing as
 daily rates - rather more or less stringent deadlines that will
 influence the price of the whole package. If there are some
 highly-demanding computations involved, this is another big factor... In
 any case, the amount of work you will do is nothing - this is all
 related to the cost of things done internally compared to what you ask
 for to get the job done... you have to be cheaper, but not too much, or
 you might not be taken seriously even with some solid references.
 In addition, you would also have the opportunity to discuss with your
 possible future clients - feel free to present yourself as an academic
 then, just curious about things are working on the dark side with all
 this externalization going on. You might be discouraged by how many
 possible future clients turn all of a sudden into possible future
 competitors  ;-)
 In any case, you should have some kind of network in the industry
 already, or at least know some academics that went there and could
 provide you with more detailed information. You seem pretty courageous,
 as to plan turning into a contractor without much experience! Good luck.
 VL
 Le 14/12/10 17:16, A C Sykes adam.sykes^_^quanano.co.uk a écrit :
 > Sent to CCL by: "A C Sykes" [adam.sykes(_)quanano.co.uk]
 > I am looking into branching out into the contract research field.  However,
 I am unsure of the average fees charged for such services, as I am from an
 academic research background.
 >
 > The various companies that offer this service do not publish their fee
 structures.  I am sure quotes are given on a per contract basis, but there has
 to be a guiding hourly/daily rate which can be used for quoting.
 >
 > Thank you for your help.
 >
 >