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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3

                           Orchid Biocomputer, Inc.

                    Supplemental Executive Benefit Program



                              Issued: May 5, 1999
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                    Supplemental Executive Benefit Program

                               Table of Contents


Article 1.     Purpose and Overview

Article 2.     Definitions

Article 3.     Benefits

Article 4.     Administration

Article 5.     Eligibility and Participation

Article 6.     Funding

Article 7.     Income Tax Consequences

Article 8.     Applicable Laws

Article 9      Employment Rights

Execution
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     Orchid Biocomputer, Inc. (the "Company") hereby establishes the Orchid
Biocomputer, Inc. Executive Benefit Program (the "Program") for the benefit of a
select group of its employees and directors.

                       Article 1.  Purpose and Overview
                       --------------------------------

1.1. Purpose of the Program.  The purpose of the program is to attract and
     retain qualified executive talent and provide them with a competitive and
     attractive executive benefit program.

1.2. Overview.  The program offers the opportunity for a select group of
     executives and directors to supplement their life insurance and disability
     insurance coverage, to provide additional financial security in the event
     of termination from employment with the Company and to provide the
     opportunity to build additional retirement savings.  It is intended that
     this program be exempt from participation, vesting, funding and fiduciary
     requirements as set forth in Title I of the Employee Retirement Income
     Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
     amended ("The Code").  The benefits described in these Articles are
     detailed in separate plan documents, the terms of which are incorporated by
     reference in this Program.

                            Article 2.  Definitions
                            -----------------------

2.1. Definitions.  The following definitions are in addition to any other
     definitions set forth elsewhere in the Program.  Whenever used in the
     Program, the capitalized terms in this section shall have the meanings set
     forth below unless otherwise required by the context in which they are
     used:

     a.   "Administrator" shall mean the person(s) appointed by the Committee to
          administer the Program pursuant to Article 4.

     b.   "Annual Base Pay" shall mean the Executive's hourly pay rate times
          2080.

     c.   "Beneficiary" shall mean the person(s) or trust(s) designated by the
          Participant as the recipient of death, disability, severance or
          retirement benefits of the Program.

     d.   "Board" shall mean the Company's Board of Directors.

     e.   "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.

     f.   "Company" shall mean Orchid Biocomputer, Inc. a Delaware corporation.

     g.   "Director" shall mean a member of the Company's Board of Directors.

                                       1
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     h.   "Executive" shall mean an employee of the Company who is employed in a
          key executive capacity as determined by the Chief Executive Officer of
          the Company or the Board.  No employee shall be treated as an
          "Executive" under the Program if his or her participation in the
          Program would result in the Program ceasing to be an unfunded program
          maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred
          compensation and other benefits to a select group of management or
          highly compensated employees under Section 201(2), 301(a)(3) and
          401(a)(l) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

     i.   "Loan" shall mean the Executive Benefit Loan.

     j.   "Participant" shall mean an eligible Executive or Director of the
          Company who has become covered by the terms of the Program.

     k.   "Permanent Disability" shall have the same meaning as found in the
          long-term disability insurance policy covering a Participant under
          this program.

     1.   "Program" shall mean the Orchid Biocomputer, Inc. Executive Benefit
          Program, as in effect from time to time.

     m.   "Retirement" shall mean any voluntary termination of employment with
          the Company after the later often years of employment or age 55.

                             Article 3.  Benefits
                             --------------------

3.1. Life Insurance Benefits.

     The program shall allow the Participant to apply for supplemental life
     insurance coverage.  The coverage will be in the form of a permanent, cash-
     value building insurance policy.  The policy may include various coverage
     options at the election of the Participant.  The Participant will be the
     owner of the policy.  The Participant shall designate the beneficiary of
     the policy.  Eligibility for the life insurance coverage will be subject to
     the insurance company's underwriting policies and procedures.  The
     insurance company may decline, limit or otherwise condition coverage at its
     discretion.  The Company does not guarantee the availability of coverage at
     standard or other rates.  A Participant's rights and benefits will be
     governed by the terms of the policy issued to the Participant.

3.2. Disability Insurance Benefits.

     The program shall allow the Participant to apply for supplemental
     individual disability insurance coverage.  The coverage will be in the form
     of a long-term disability insurance policy which may include various
     coverage options at the election of the Participant.  The Participant will
     be the owner and beneficiary of the policy.  Eligibility for the disability
     insurance coverage will be subject to the insurance company's underwriting
     policies and procedures.  The insurance company may decline, limit or
     otherwise condition coverage

                                       2
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     at its discretion. The Company does not guarantee the availability of
     coverage at standard or other rates. A Participant's rights and benefits
     will be governed by the terms of the policy issued to the Participant.

3.3. Supplemental Retirement Income Benefits.

     The Company has established the Orchid Biocomputer, Inc. Executive Deferred
     Compensation Plan.  A Participant's rights thereunder are governed by the
     terms of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan as in effect from time to
     time, and this Section 3.3 is merely a summary description creating no
     substantive rights.

     This plan offers the opportunity for a select group of executives and
     directors to defer the payment of certain cash compensation.

     Each Participant in the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan may elect to
     defer receipt of a portion of their regular base salary, bonus or other
     cash incentive compensation.  Any such election must be made by entering
     into a Deferred Compensation Agreement with the Company, as evidenced by a
     form approved by and filed with the Company on or before the deadline
     specified by the Company.

     The Supplemental Retirement Income Benefits shall be "unfunded" (within the
     meaning of Section 401(a)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
     of 1974.

3.4. Severance Pay Benefits.

     The Company has established the Orchid Biocomputer, Inc. Executive
     Severance Pay Plan. A Participant's rights thereunder are governed by the
     terms of the Executive Severance Pay Plan as in effect from time to time,
     and this Section 3.3 is merely a summary description creating no
     substantive rights.

     This plan provides, to a select group of executives, additional financial
     security in the event of termination from employment with the Company.

     Each Participant in the Executive Severance Pay Plan shall enter into a
     Severance Pay Agreement which sets forth the calculation of the severance
     pay and the payment terms and conditions.

     The Severance Pay Benefits shall be funded through an irrevocable trust.

3.5. Should any of the Benefits of the Program be changed, eliminated or any new
     Benefits added, such changes shall be incorporated into this Program by
     reference. All provisions of these benefits are contained (as applicable)
     in the underlying plan documents, Company policies, contracts and insurance
     policies.

                                       3
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                          Article 4.  Administration
                          --------------------------

4.1.      Administrator. The Company shall appoint an Administrator of the
          Program or separate Administrators of the various components of the
          program. The Administrator(s) shall perform such administrative
          functions as the Company may delegate from time to time.

4.2.      Notice of Address. Any payment to a Participant or Beneficiary, at the
          last known post office address on file with the Company, shall
          constitute a complete acquittance and discharge to the Company and any
          director or officer with respect thereto.

4.3.      Claims Procedure.

          a.   Claims for benefits under the terms of the life and disability
               insurance policies must be filed with the insurance company
               issuing the policy.

          b.   Claims for severance, retirement or other benefits must be filed
               with the Administrator in a form acceptable to the Administrator.

          c.   If any claim for benefits under the Program filed with the
               Administrator is wholly or partially denied, the claimant shall
               be given notice in writing, within 60 days of such denial,
               setting forth the specific reasons for such denial, specific
               reference to pertinent Program provisions on which the denial is
               based, a description of any material or information necessary for
               claimant to perfect the claim, and an explanation of the
               Program's claims review procedure.

          d.   The claimant (or his or her duly authorized representative) may
               request a review by the Board of the Administrator's decision
               denying the claim by filing with the Administrator, within 60
               days after such notice has been received by the claimant, a
               written request for such review, and that he or she may review
               pertinent documents, and submit issues and comments in writing
               within the same 60-day period. If such a request is so filed,
               such review shall be made by the Board within 60 days after
               receipt of such request.

          e.   The claimant shall be given written notice of the decision
               resulting from such review, including specific reasons for the
               decision and specific references to the pertinent Program
               provisions on which the decision is based.

          f.   These claims procedures shall be subordinate to any claims
               procedures outlined in the separate plan documents, in place from
               time to time.

                   Article 5.  Eligibility and Participation
                   -----------------------------------------

5.1. Eligibility.  This program is intended to qualify as a "top-hat" program
     under the Department of Labor Regulations and as such participation in the
     Program will be limited to Participants who would be considered highly
     compensated, key-employees or Directors of the Company.

                                       4
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5.2. Participation.  An eligible Executive or Director may elect not to
     participate in the Program.

5.3. Term.  An eligible Executive or Director who becomes a Participant shall
     remain an active Participant until the earlier of (a) the death or
     permanent disability of the Executive or Director or, (b) the date the
     Participant ceases to qualify as an Executive or Director of the Company or
     (c) the mutual agreement of the parties hereto.

                              Article 6.  Funding
                              -------------------

6.1. Executive Benefit Allowance.  The Company shall provide an annual cash
     allowance to the Executive to be used solely to pay the premiums for the
     supplemental life insurance and the supplemental disability insurance
     described in Article 3.

     a.   The Executive Benefit Allowance shall be a percentage of the
          Executive's Annual Base Pay as follows:

          Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer: 15%
          All other Participants: 10%

     b.   The Participant may annually elect the allocation of the Executive
          Benefit Allowance between the life insurance and disability insurance
          policies under this Program.  Such election shall be made in a form
          acceptable to the Company.

     c.   The Company shall pay directly to the insurance companies the amounts
          set forth herein, in accordance with the Participant's allocation
          election.

6.2. Executive Benefit Loan.  The Company shall loan to the Participant, on a
     nonrecourse and interest-free basis the amount set forth in an Executive
     Benefit Loan Agreement.

     The Participant shall allocate the proceeds of the Loan between the life
     insurance and disability insurance policies under this Program. The
     Participant shall provide evidence of premium payments to the company in a
     form acceptable to the Company.

6.3. The Executive Benefit Allowance and the Executive Benefit Loan shall be
     disbursed in advance, no less frequently than monthly, as the Company
     determines appropriate.

6.4. Upon the Participant's cessation of employment as a result of Permanent
     Disability, Retirement or involuntary termination for other than Gross
     Misconduct (as defined in the Executive Severance Pay Plan), the
     Participant may elect to make a substitution of collateral using the cash
     value of the supplemental life insurance policy described in Article 3.1 to
     collateralize any or all of the Executive Benefit Loan.  The amount of the
     Executive Benefit Loan so secured shall be due and payable no sooner than
     24 months following cessation of employment.

                                       5
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                      Article 7.  Income Tax Consequences
                      ----------------------------------

7.1. Income Tax Consequences.

     a.   Each year, the Company will report to the Participant taxable income
          in an amount which represents the compensatory component of the Loan,
          determined under applicable law and regulations. This amount shall be
          the imputed interest as measured by the Applicable Federal Rate
          ("AFR").

     b.   Each year, the Company will report to the Participant any other
          amounts deemed to be taxable income as determined by a good faith
          interpretation of the Internal Revenue Code and appropriate state
          income tax laws, as in effect from time to time.

                          Article 8.  Applicable Laws
                          ---------------------------

8.1. The Program shall be construed and governed in accordance with applicable
     federal law and, to the extent not preempted by federal law, including the
     Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the laws
     of the State of New Jersey.

                         Article 9.  Employment Rights
                         -----------------------------

9.1. Employment Rights.  Nothing in this Program should be construed as
     conferring any legal rights upon any Participant or any other person for a
     continuation of employment, nor shall it interfere with the rights of the
     Company to discharge any person.

                                   Execution
                                   ---------

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, on the date(s) indicated below, the Company, by its
duly authorized officer, has adopted and executed this Supplemental Executive
Benefit Program.

                                   Orchid Biocomputer, Inc.

Date_________________________      By____________________________

                                   Name:
                                   Title:

                                       6
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                           Orchid Biocomputer, Inc.

                     Executive Deferred Compensation Plan


                              Issued May 5, 1999
<PAGE>

                     Executive Deferred Compensation Plan

                               Table of Contents


Article 1.  Purpose and Overview

     1.1.   Purpose of the Plan

     1.2.   Overview

Article 2.  Definitions

     2.1.   Definitions

     2.2.   Gender and Number

Article 3.  Administration

     3.1.   Administrator

Article 4.  Eligibility and Participation

     4.1.   Eligibility

     4.2.   Participation

Article 5.  Deferrals

     5.1.   Salary Deferrals

     5.2.   Deferrals of Bonuses and Other Cash Incentive Compensation

     5.3.   Deferral Procedures

     5.4.   Election of Time and Manner of Payment

     5.5.   Deferral Accounts

     5.6.   Maintenance of Deferral Accounts

     5.7.   Earnings and Losses

     5.8.   Designation of Investment Measuring Device
<PAGE>

     5.9.   Payment of Deferred Amounts

     5.10.  Acceleration of Payment

Article 6.  General Provisions

     6.1.   Unfunded Obligation

     6.2.   Beneficiary

     6.3.   Incapacity of Participant or Beneficiary

     6.4.   Nonassignment

     6.5.   No Right to Continued Employment

     6.6.   Tax Withholding

     6.7.   Claims Procedure

     6.8.   Termination and Amendment

     6.9.   Notice of Address

     6.10.  Applicable Law

Execution

                                       2
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     Orchid Biocomputer, Inc. (the "Company") hereby establishes the Orchid
Biocomputer, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Plan"), as set forth in this
document for the benefit of a select group of its employees and directors.

                       Article 1.   Purpose and Overview
                       ---------------------------------

1.1.  Purpose of the Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain
      qualified executive talent and provide them with an important component of
      a competitive and attractive executive benefit program.

1.2.  Overview. The Plan offers the opportunity for a select group of executives
      and directors to defer the payment of certain cash compensation that they
      may earn and in turn provide the opportunity to build additional
      retirement savings. This Plan is unfunded and is maintained primarily for
      the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of
      management or highly compensated employees. It is accordingly intended to
      be exempt from the participation, vesting, funding and fiduciary
      requirements set forth in Title I of the Employee Retirement Income
      Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA").

                            Article 2.  Definitions
                            -----------------------

2.1.  Definitions. The following definitions are in addition to any other
      definitions set forth elsewhere in the Plan. Whenever used in the Plan,
      the capitalized terms in this section shall have the meanings set forth
      below unless otherwise required by the context in which they are used:

      a.  "Administrator" shall mean the person(s) described in section 3.1 that
          is/are selected by the Committee to assist in the administration of
          the Plan.

      b.  "Beneficiary" shall mean the individual or trust entitled to receive
          any benefit payments that remain to be paid after a Participant's
          death, as determined under section 6.2.

      c.  "Board" shall mean the Company's Board of Directors.

      d.  "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.

      e.  "Company" shall mean Orchid Biocomputer, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

      f.  "Deferral Account" shall mean the account representing deferrals of
          cash compensation, plus investment adjustments, as described in
          sections 5.5 and 5.7.

      g.  "Director" shall mean a member of the Company's Board of Directors.

      h.  "Earnings" shall mean the amount of interest, dividends, gains or
          appreciation and income of every sort which would be paid on the
          principal amount deferred by a

                                       1
<PAGE>

          Participant if such principal had actually been invested in the
          Investment Measuring Device, reduced by any administrative fees, sales
          charges and withdrawal charges which would be deducted from an
          investment in the Investment Measuring Device.

      i.  "Executive" shall mean an employee of the Company who is employed in a
          key executive capacity as determined by the Committee.  No employee
          shall be treated as an "Executive" under the Plan if his or her
          participation in the Plan would result in the Plan ceasing to be an
          unfunded program maintained primarily for the purpose of providing
          deferred compensation and other benefits to a select group of
          management or highly compensated employees under Section 201(2),
          301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
          of 1974.

      j.  "Investment Measuring Device" shall mean one or more investments
          chosen by a Participant by which Earnings and Losses on the principal
          amount of deferred compensation allocated to such investment will be
          measured in order to determine the amount in the Participant's
          Deferral Account which is payable under this Plan.  The available
          Investment Measuring Devices shall be designated and may be amended,
          terminated or replaced from time to time by the Committee, provided
          that at all times, at least one Investment Measuring Device shall be a
          specified money market fund.

      k.  "Losses" shall mean the amount of market, contract, or other losses
          which would reduce the principal amount deferred by a Participant if
          such principal had actually been invested in the Investment Measuring
          Device.

      l.  "Participant" shall mean an Executive or Director who meets the
          eligibility and participation requirements of the Plan, as set forth
          in Article 4, and includes, where appropriate to the context any
          former Executive or Director who is entitled to benefits under this
          Plan.

      m.  "Plan" shall mean the Orchid Biocomputer Deferred Compensation Plan,
          as in effect from time to time.

      n.  "Plan Year" shall mean the calendar year.

      o.  "Retirement" shall mean any voluntary cessation of employment with the
          Company after the later of ten years of employment or age 55.

      p.  "Termination" shall mean any cessation of employment with the Company
          and its Subsidiaries other than by death, permanent disability or
          retirement.

      q.  "Subsidiary" shall mean a corporation or other business entity in
          which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, securities with more
          than 80 percent of the total voting power.

                                       2
<PAGE>

      r.  "Valuation Date" shall mean each December 31 and any other date
          designated from time to time by the Committee for the purpose of
          determining the value of a Participant's Deferral Account balance
          pursuant to section 5.5.

2.2.  Gender and Number. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, any
      masculine or feminine terminology shall also include the neuter and other
      gender, and the use of any term in the singular or plural shall also
      include the opposite number.

                          Article 3.  Administration
                          --------------------------

3.1.  Administrator. The Committee shall administer the Plan and may select one
      or more persons to serve as the Administrator. The Administrator shall
      perform such administrative functions as the Committee may delegate to it
      from time to time. Any person selected to serve as the Administrator may,
      but need not, be a Committee member, a Director or an officer or employee
      of the Company. However, if a person serving as Administrator or a member
      of the Committee is a Participant, such person may not vote on a matter
      affecting his individual interest as a Participant.

      The Committee shall have the discretionary authority to construe and
      interpret the Plan provisions and resolve any ambiguities thereunder; to
      prescribe, amend and rescind administrative rules relating to the Plan; to
      select the Directors or Executives who may participate and to terminate
      the future participation of any such Director or Executives; to determine
      eligibility for benefits under the Plan; and to take all other actions
      that are necessary or appropriate for the administration of the Plan.
      Where the Committee has delegated its responsibility for matters of
      interpretation and Plan administration to the Administrator, the actions
      of the Administrator shall constitute actions of the Committee with
      respect to such delegated matters.

                   Article 4.  Eligibility and Participation
                   -----------------------------------------

4.1.  Eligibility. This Plan is intended to qualify as a "top-hat" Plan under
      the Department of Labor Regulations and as such participation in the Plan
      will be limited to Participants who would be considered highly
      compensated, key-employees or Directors of the Company or any Subsidiary.

4.2.  Participation. Directors, officers and other key employees of the Company
      and each of its Subsidiaries shall be eligible to participate in this Plan
      upon selection by the Committee. To be nominated for participation, an
      employee must be highly compensated or have significant responsibility for
      the management, direction and/or success of the Company as a whole or a
      particular business unit thereof. Directors of the Company shall be
      eligible to participate in the Plan.

                                       3
<PAGE>

                             Article 5.  Deferrals
                             ---------------------

5.1.  Salary Deferrals. Each Participant selected under section 4.2 may elect to
      defer up to 50 percent of his regular base salary (subject to the
      provisions of this Article 5). Any such election must be made by entering
      into a deferred compensation agreement with the Company, as evidenced by a
      form approved by and filed with the Administrator on or before the
      deadline specified by the Committee (which shall be no earlier than one
      month prior to, but not later than, the beginning of the election period
      for which the deferred salary is to be earned). For this purpose, The
      election period shall be the calendar year; provided, however, that during
      periods in which the Plan is not in effect for a full calendar year or a
      Director or Executive is not a Participant for a full calendar year, the
      election period shall be the portion of the calendar year during which the
      Plan is in effect and the Director or Executive is an eligible
      Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person who is not a
      Participant at the beginning of a calendar year shall not be allowed to
      elect a deferral of compensation that takes effect during that year
      without the consent of the Committee. Salary deferrals that have been
      elected shall occur throughout the election period in equal increments for
      each payroll period.

5.2.  Deferral of Bonuses and Other Cash Incentive Compensation. Each
      Participant may elect to defer all or any portion (subject to the
      provisions of this Article 5) of any amount that he subsequently cams
      under an annual cash bonus program and/or long-term cash incentive
      compensation program of the Company or a participating Subsidiary. Any
      such election must be made by entering a deferred compensation agreement
      with the Company, as evidenced by a form approved by the Committee that is
      filed with the Administrator on or before the deadline specified by the
      Committee. For annual cash bonuses, this deadline shall be no earlier than
      one month prior to the beginning of the year (or portion thereof) for
      which the bonus will be earned. For other cash incentive compensation,
      this deadline shall be no later than six months before the end of the year
      or other period for which the cash incentive compensation will be earned.
      Rules similar to those in section 5.1 shall apply in cases where the Plan
      is not in existence or an employee is not a Participant for the full
      period in which an annual cash bonus or long-term incentive compensation
      award is earned.

5.3.  Deferral Procedures. Participants eligible to elect salary deferrals under
      Section 5.1 shall have an opportunity to do so each year. Participants
      eligible to elect deferrals under section 5.2 shall have a separate
      opportunity to do so for each cash bonus under an annual bonus program and
      for each other cash bonus or incentive payment under a long-term incentive
      plan that they may cam.

      If a deferral is elected, the election shall be irrevocable with respect
      to the particular compensation that is subject to the election. Deferral
      elections shall be made on a form prescribed by the Committee or
      Administrator. As provided in section 6.6, any deferral is subject to
      appropriate tax withholding measures and may be reduced to satisfy tax-
      withholding requirements.

                                       4
<PAGE>

5.4.  Election of Time and Manner of Payment. At the time a Participant makes a
      deferral election under sections 5.1 or 5.2, the Participant shall also
      designate the manner of payment and the date on which payments from his or
      her Deferral Account shall begin, from among the following options:

      a.  a lump sum payable by the end of February of any year that the
          Participant specifies;

      b.  a lump sum payable by the end of February in the year immediately
          following the Participants Retirement;

      c.  a series of annual installments, commencing in any year selected by
          the Participant and payable each year on or before the end of
          February, over a period of four years;

      d.  a series of annual installments, commencing in the year following the
          Participant's Retirement and payable each year on or before the end of
          February, over a period of five, ten or fifteen years, as designated
          by the Participant.

      However, if a Participant terminates employment for any reason other than
      death, permanent disability or Retirement, the payment of the
      Participant's entire Deferral Account, including any unpaid installments
      pursuant to clause (c) above, shall be made in a single lump sum by the
      end of February in the next year following the year in which the
      Participant terminates employment, notwithstanding the terms of the
      Participant's election.

      Any election of a specified payment date pursuant to clauses (a) or (c)
      shall be subject to any restrictions that the Company may, in its sole
      discretion, choose to establish in order to limit the number of different
      payment dates that a Participant may have in effect at any one time.

      If payment is due in the form of a lump sum, the payment shall equal the
      balance of the Deferral Account being paid, determined as of the Valuation
      Date coincident with or immediately preceding the payment date. If payment
      is due in the form of installments, the amount of each installment shall
      be equal to the quotient determined by dividing (A) the value of the
      portion of the Deferral Account to which the installment payment election
      applies (determined as of the Valuation Date coincident with or
      immediately preceding the date the payment is to be made), by (B) the
      number of years over which the installment payments are to be made, less
      the number of years in which the prior payments attributable to such
      installment payment election have been made.

5.5.  Deferral Accounts. The Company shall establish a Deferral Account for each
      Participant who has elected a deferral under section 5.1 or 5.2, and its
      accounting records for the Plan with respect to each such Participant
      shall include a separate Deferral Account or subaccount for each deferral
      election of the Participant that could cause a payment to be made at a
      different time or in a different form from other payments of deferrals
      elected by

                                       5
<PAGE>

      the same Participant. Each Deferral Account balance shall reflect the
      Company's obligation to pay a deferred amount to a Participant or
      Beneficiary as provided in this Article 5.

      Such Deferral Account shall consist of credits equal to the principal
      amount of compensation deferred by each Participant, increased by any
      Earnings and decreased by any Losses as described in Section 5.7.
      Notwithstanding the establishment of Deferral Accounts for record keeping
      purposes, the Company shall not establish any trust or fund, or purchase
      any insurance policy, annuity contract or other asset specifically
      allocated to the benefit of any one (or more) Participant(s). Principal
      amounts deferred by a Participant under Section 5.1 or 5.2 shall be
      credited to the Participant's Deferral Account as of the time when such
      amount would otherwise have been paid to the Participant absent his
      election to defer hereunder.

5.6.  Maintenance of Deferral Accounts. The Accounts of each Participant shall
      be entered on the books of the Company and shall represent a liability,
      payable when due under this Plan, out of the general assets of the
      Company. Prior to benefits becoming due hereunder, the Company shall
      expense the liability for such accounts in accordance with policies
      determined appropriate by the Company's auditors. Except to the extent
      provided pursuant to the second paragraph of this section 5.6, the
      Accounts created for a Participant by the Company shall not be funded by a
      trust or an insurance contract; nor shall any assets of the Company be
      segregated or identified to such account; nor shall any property or assets
      of the Company be pledged, encumbered, or otherwise subjected to a lien or
      security interest for payment of benefits hereunder.

      Notwithstanding that the amounts to be paid hereunder to Participants
      constitute an unfunded obligation of the Company, an amount equal to the
      Deferral Accounts shall be paid into one or more grantor trusts that shall
      be established by the Company for the purpose of providing a potential
      source of funds to pay Plan benefits. The Company may designate an
      investment advisor to direct the investment of funds that may be used to
      pay benefits, including the investment of the assets of any grantor trusts
      hereunder.

5.7.  Earnings and Losses. The principal amount of deferred compensation shall
      be adjusted for hypothetical Earnings and Losses as follows:

      For amounts deferred, Earnings and Losses shall be measured by one or more
      of the Investment Measuring Devices chosen by a Participant pursuant to
      Section 5.8.a. or defaulted into by Section 5.8.b.

      For amounts deferred during all periods, the Deferral Account or portion
      of the Deferral Account of a Participant who selected a life insurance
      policy as the Investment Measuring Device shall be equal to the amount of
      the cash surrender value of the hypothetical insurance policy, or, in
      event of the death of the Participant, in the amount of the face value of
      the hypothetical policy, reduced, in either case, by the policy loans the
      Employer would have had to borrow in order to pay premiums on such policy
      or to make such payments as may otherwise be required under this Plan.

                                       6
<PAGE>

      There shall be no guarantee of principal for any Investment Measuring
      Device.

5.8.  Designation of Investment Measuring Device. The designation of Investment
      Measuring Device shall be made according to the following:

      a.  From time to time and in accordance with such administrative rules as
          the Company may impose, each Participant may designate one or more
          Investment Measuring Devices for compensation which is deferred.  A
          Participant may make a similar election to change the Investment
          Measuring Device with respect to compensation deferred prior to such
          election (and any Earnings and Losses thereon).  An election to change
          Investment Measuring Devices for past deferrals shall be effective on
          the same date as an election of Investment Measuring Devices for
          deferrals from current pay as described in this Section 5.8.

      b.  If no designation of Investment Measuring Devices is made by a
          Participant, the Participant's Investment Measuring Device shall be
          the Charles Schwab Money Market Fund (or other similar Money Market
          Fund designated by the Company).

5.9.  Payment of Deferred Amounts. A Participant shall have a fully vested,
      nonforfeitable interest in his or her Deferral Account balance at all
      times. However, vesting does not confer a right to payment other than in
      the manner elected by the Participant pursuant to section 5.4 or increase
      the rights of the Participant above those of any general unsecured
      creditor of the Company. Upon the expiration of a deferral period selected
      by the Participant in one or more deferral elections, the Company shall
      pay to such Participant (or to the Participant's Beneficiary, in the case
      of the Participant's death) an amount equal to the balance of the
      Participant's Deferral Account attributable to such expiring deferral
      elections, plus assumed earnings (determined by the Company pursuant to
      section 5.7) thereon.

      If the Participant has an outstanding unsecured loan from the Company,
      payments from the Participant's Deferral Account shall first be used to
      satisfy the outstanding loan.

5.10. Acceleration of Payment. The Committee, in its discretion, upon receipt of
      a written request from a Participant or Beneficiary, may accelerate the
      payment of all or any portion of the unpaid balance of a Participant's
      Deferral Account in the event of the Participant's Retirement, death,
      permanent disability, or Termination, or upon its determination that the
      Participant (or his Beneficiary in the case of his death) has incurred a
      severe, unforeseeable financial hardship creating an immediate and heavy
      need for cash that cannot reasonably be satisfied from sources other than
      an accelerated payment from this Plan. The Committee in making its
      determination may consider such factors and require such information as it
      deems appropriate, and the Committee will not be obligated to accelerate
      payment in any particular instance.

                        Article 6.  General Provisions
                        ------------------------------

                                       7
<PAGE>

6.1   Unfunded Obligation. The deferred amounts to be paid to Participants
      pursuant to this Plan constitute unsecured and unfunded general
      obligations of the Company. Except to the extent specifically provided
      hereunder, the Company is not required to segregate any monies from its
      general funds or to make any special deposits with respect to this
      obligation.

6.2.  Beneficiary. The term "Beneficiary" shall mean the individual or trust to
      whom payments are to be paid pursuant to the terms of the Plan in the
      event of the Participant's death. A Participant may designate a
      Beneficiary on a form provided by the Administrator, executed by the
      Participant, and delivered to the Administrator. The Administrator may
      require the consent of the Participant's spouse to a designation if the
      designation specifies a Beneficiary other than the spouse. Subject to the
      foregoing, a Participant may change a Beneficiary designation at any time.
      Subject to the property rights of any prior spouse, if no Beneficiary is
      designated, if the designation is ineffective, or if the Beneficiary dies
      before the balance of the Deferral Account is paid, the balance shall be
      paid to the Participant's surviving spouse, or if there is no surviving
      spouse, to the Participant's estate.

6.3.  Incapacity of Participant or Beneficiary. Every person receiving or
      claiming benefits under the Plan shall be conclusively presumed to be
      mentally competent and of age until the date on which the Administrator
      receives a written notice, in a form and manner acceptable to the
      Administrator, that such person is incompetent or a minor, for whom a
      guardian or other person legally vested with the care of his person or
      estate has been appointed; provided, however, that if the Administrator
      finds that any person to whom a benefit is payable under the Plan is
      unable to care for his or her affairs because of incompetency, or because
      he or she is a minor, any payment due (unless a prior claim therefor shall
      have been made by a duly appointed legal representative) may be paid to
      the spouse, a child, a parent, a brother or sister, or to any person or
      institution considered by the Administrator to have incurred expense for
      such person otherwise entitled to payment. To the extent permitted by law,
      any such payment so made shall be a complete discharge of liability
      therefor under the Plan.

      If a guardian of the estate of any person receiving or claiming benefits
      under the Plan is appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction, benefit
      payments may be made to such guardian provided that proper proof of
      appointment and continuing qualification is furnished in a form and manner
      acceptable to the Administrator. In the event a person claiming or
      receiving benefits under the Plan is a minor, payment may be made to the
      custodian of an account for such person under the Uniform Transfers to
      Minors Act. To the extent permitted by law, any such payment so made shall
      be a complete discharge of any liability therefor under the Plan.

6.4.  Nonassignment. The right of a Participant or Beneficiary to the payment of
      any amounts under the Plan may not be assigned, transferred, pledged or
      encumbered (except as security for any promissory note given by the
      Participant to the Company in connection with the Company's Supplemental
      Executive Benefit Program), and, to the maximum

                                       8
<PAGE>

      extent permitted by law, such right or other interests shall not be
      subject to attachment, garnishment, execution, or other legal process
      (except by the Company).

6.5.  No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed
      to confer upon any Participant any right to continued employment with the
      Company, nor shall the Plan interfere in any way with the right of the
      Company to terminate the employment of such Participant at any time
      without assigning any reason therefor.

6.6.  Tax Withholding. Appropriate taxes shall be withheld from cash payments
      made to Participants pursuant to the Plan. To the extent tax withholding
      is payable in connection with the Participant's deferral of income rather
      than in connection with the payment of deferred amounts, such withholding
      may be made from other wages and salary currently payable to the
      Participant, or, as determined by the Administrator, the amount of the
      deferral elected by the Participant may be reduced in order to satisfy
      required tax withholding for employment taxes and any other taxes.

6.7.  Claims Procedure. The Company shall establish a reasonable claims
      procedure consistent with the requirements of the Employee Retirement
      Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The claims procedure shall
      include the following:

      a.  Claims for benefits must be filed with the Administrator in a form
          acceptable to the Administrator.

      b.  If any claim for benefits under the Plan filed with the Administrator
          is wholly or partially denied, the claimant shall be given notice in
          writing, within 60 days of such denial, setting forth the specific
          reasons for such denial, specific reference to pertinent Plan
          provisions on which the denial is based, a description of any material
          or information necessary for claimant to perfect the claim, and an
          explanation of the Plan's claims review procedure.

      c.  The claimant (or his or her duly authorized representative) may
          request a review by the Board of the Administrator's decision denying
          the claim by filing with the Administrator, within 60 days after such
          notice has been received by the claimant, a written request for such
          review, and that he or she may review pertinent documents, and submit
          issues and comments in writing within the same 60-day period.  If such
          a request is so filed, such review shall be made by the Board within
          60 days after receipt of such request.

      d.  The claimant shall be given written notice of the decision resulting
          from such review, including specific reasons for the decision and
          specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions on which the
          decision is based.

6.8.  Termination and Amendment. The Committee may from time to time amend,
      suspend or terminate the Plan, in whole or in part, and if the Plan is
      suspended or terminated, the Committee may reinstate any or all of its
      provisions. Except as otherwise required by law, the committee may
      delegate to the Administrator all or any of its foregoing powers

                                       9
<PAGE>

      to amend, suspend, or terminate the Plan. Any such amendment, suspension,
      or termination may affect future deferrals without consent of any
      Participant or Beneficiary. However, with respect to deferrals that have
      already occurred, no amendment, suspension or termination may impair the
      right of a Participant or a designated Beneficiary to receive payment of
      the related deferred compensation in accordance with the terms of the Plan
      prior to the effective date of such amendment, suspension or termination,
      unless the affected Participant or Beneficiary gives his express written
      consent to the change. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, upon
      termination of the Plan, the Committee may require payment of any
      Participant's Deferral Account not in excess of $100,000 to such
      Participant (or his or her Beneficiary) at such time and in such form of
      payment as the Committee determines (notwithstanding the Participant's
      election of another form of payment or another date for payment).

6.9.  Notice of Address. Any payment to a Participant or Beneficiary, at the
      last known post office address on file with the Company, shall constitute
      a complete acquittance and discharge to the Company and any director or
      officer with respect thereto.

6.10. Applicable Law. The Plan shall be construed and governed in accordance
      with applicable federal law and, to the extent not preempted by such
      federal law, the laws of the State of New Jersey.

                                   Execution
                                   ---------

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, on the date(s) indicated below, the Company, by its
duly authorized officer, has adopted and executed this Executive Deferred
Compensation Plan.

                                    Orchid Biocomputer, Inc.

Date: February 3, 1999               By  /s/ Donald R. Marvin
  --------------------               ------------------------
                                    Name:  Donald R. Marvin
                                    Title: Secretary

                                       10
<PAGE>


                           Orchid Biocomputer, Inc.

                         Executive Severance Pay Plan


                              Issued May 5, 1999


                                5/5/99 1:23 PM
<PAGE>

                         Executive Severance Pay Plan

                               Table of Contents


Article 1.  Purpose and Overview

     1.1.   Purpose of the Plan

     1.2.   Overview

Article 2.  Definitions

     2.1.   Definitions

     2.2.   Gender and Number

Article 3.  Administration

     3.1.   Administrator

Article 4.  Eligibility and Participation

     4.1.   Eligibility

     4.2.   Participation

Article 5.  Severance Pay

     5.1.   Calculation of Severance Pay

     5.2.   Monthly Installments of Severance Pay

Article 6.  Funded Obligation

Article 7.  General Provisions

     7.1.   Interpretation as Severance Pay for Labor Law Purposes

     7.2.   Severability Clause

     7.3.   Gross Misconduct

     7.4.   Beneficiary

     7.5.   Incapacity of Participant or Beneficiary
<PAGE>

     7.6.  Nonassignment

     7.7.  No Right to Continued Employment

     7.8.  Tax Withholding

     7.9.  Claims Procedure

     7.10. Amendment

     7.11. Notice of Address

     7.12. Applicable Law Execution

     Execution


<PAGE>

     Orchid Biocomputer, Inc. (the "Company") hereby establishes the Orchid
Biocomputer, Inc. Executive Severance Pay Plan (the "Plan"), as set forth in
this document for the benefit of a select group of its employees.

                       Article 1.  Purpose and Overview
                       --------------------------------

1.1. Purpose of the Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain
     qualified executive talent and provide them with an important component of
     a competitive and attractive executive benefit program.

1.2. Overview. The Plan provides, to a select group of executives, additional
     financial security in the event of termination from employment with the
     Company. This Plan is funded and is maintained primarily for the purpose of
     providing severance payments to a select group of management or highly
     compensated employees. It is accordingly intended to be exempt from the
     participation, vesting, funding and fiduciary requirements set forth in
     Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA").

                            Article 2.  Definitions
                            -----------------------

2.1. Definitions. The following definitions are in addition to any other
     definitions set forth elsewhere in the Plan. Whenever used in the Plan, the
     capitalized terms in this section shall have the meanings set forth below
     unless otherwise required by the context in which they are used:

     a.   "Administrator" shall mean the person(s) described in section 3.1 that
          is/are selected by the Committee to assist in the administration of
          the Plan.

     b.   "Beneficiary" shall mean the individual or trust entitled to receive
          any benefit payments that remain to be paid after a Participant's
          death, as determined under section 7.5.

     c.   "Board" shall mean the Company's Board of Directors.

     d.   "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.

     e.   "Company" shall mean Orchid Biocomputer, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

     f.   "Executive" shall mean an employee of the Company who is employed in a
          key executive capacity as determined by the Committee the Company or
          the Board.  No employee shall be treated as an "Executive" under the
          Plan if his or her participation in the Plan would result in the Plan
          ceasing to be a program maintained primarily for the purpose of
          providing other benefits to a select group of management or highly
          compensated employees.

                                       1
<PAGE>

     g.   "Participant" shall mean an Executive who meets the eligibility and
          participation requirements of the Plan, as set forth in Article 4, and
          includes, where appropriate to the context, any former Executive who
          is entitled to benefits under this Plan.

     h.   "Plan" shall mean the Orchid Biocomputer, Inc. Executive Severance Pay
          Plan, as in effect from time to time.

     i.   "Retirement" shall mean any voluntary cessation of employment with the
          Company after the later of ten years of employment or age 55.

     j.   "Termination" shall mean 1.) any involuntary cessation of employment
          with the Company and its Subsidiaries other than by death or
          disability or 2.) voluntary resignation in the event that the
          Executive's duties, responsibilities or compensation are significantly
          reduced.

     k.   "Severance Pay" shall mean the amount payable to the Executive upon
          Termination or Retirement pursuant to a Severance Pay Agreement
          between the Executive and the Company.

     l.   "Subsidiary" shall mean a corporation or other business entity in
          which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, securities with more
          than 80 percent of the total voting power.

2.2. Gender and Number.  Except when otherwise indicated by the context, any
     masculine or feminine terminology shall also include the neuter and other
     gender, and the use of any term in the singular or plural shall also
     include the opposite number.

                          Article 3.  Administration
                          --------------------------

3.1. Administrator.  The Committee shall administer the Plan and may select one
     or more persons to serve as the Administrator.  The Administrator shall
     perform such administrative functions as the Committee may delegate to it
     from time to time.  Any person selected to serve as the Administrator may,
     but need not, be a Committee member, a Director or an officer or employee
     of the Company.  However, if a person serving as Administrator or a member
     of the Committee is a Participant, such person may not vote on a matter
     affecting his individual interest as a Participant.

     The Committee shall have the discretionary authority to construe and
     interpret the Plan provisions and resolve any ambiguities thereunder; to
     prescribe, amend and rescind administrative rules relating to the Plan; to
     select the Executives who may participate, to determine eligibility for
     benefits under the Plan; and to take all other actions that are necessary
     or appropriate for the administration of the Plan.  Where the Committee has
     delegated its responsibility for matters of interpretation and Plan
     administration to the Administrator, the actions of the Administrator shall
     constitute actions of the Committee with respect to such delegated matters.

                                       2
<PAGE>

                   Article 4.  Eligibility and Participation
                   -----------------------------------------

4.1. Eligibility.  This Plan is intended to qualify as a "top-hat" Plan under
     the Department of Labor Regulations and as such participation in the Plan
     will be limited to Participants who would be considered highly compensated,
     key-employees of the Company or any Subsidiary.

4.2. Participation.  Officers and other key employees of the Company and each
     of its Subsidiaries shall be eligible to participate in this Plan upon
     selection by the Committee.  To be nominated for participation, an
     Executive must be highly compensated or have significant responsibility for
     the management, direction and/or success of the Company as a whole or a
     particular business unit thereof.

                           Article 5.  Severance Pay
                           -------------------------

5.1. Calculation of Severance Pay.  In addition to the annual base
     compensation, bonus compensation, accumulated vacation pay and other
     employee benefits payable to the Executive (if any), in the event of the
     Executive's 1.) Retirement, 2.) death after the later of ten years of
     service or age 55, 3.) permanent disability after the later of ten years of
     service or age 55 or 4.) Termination for any reason other than his own
     Gross Misconduct, the Executive shall be entitled to receive Severance Pay
     in an amount determined pursuant to a Severance Pay Agreement between
     Executive and Company.

5.2. Monthly Installments of Severance Pay.  The Executive's Severance Pay
     shall be paid to him, without interest, in monthly installments over the
     twenty-four (24) months commencing on the last business day of the month of
     Termination or Retirement and thereafter on the last business day of each
     calendar month until paid in full.  In the event of Executive's death after
     commencement of payments, the balance of payments shall be made to his
     estate or named beneficiary.

                         Article 6.  Funded Obligation
                         -----------------------------

6.1. Funded Obligation of Company.  The obligation of the Company to pay
     Severance Pay shall be funded.  The Company shall establish an irrevocable
     trust in order to facilitate the funding of this Plan.  The funding shall
     be done in a manner that will ensure that Executive will not recognize
     taxable income until Severance Pay has been paid.

     All payments made by the Trust shall reduce the obligation of the Company
     to pay benefits under this Plan.  The Company shall remain liable for
     benefits to the extent that the assets of the Trust are insufficient to pay
     Plan benefits.

                         Article 7.  General Provisions
                         ------------------------------

7.1. Interpretation as Severance Pay for Labor Law Purposes.  The provisions of
     this Agreement are intended to constitute a severance pay plan within the
     meaning of Labor

                                       3
<PAGE>

     Regulation 29 C.F.R. Section 2510.302(b) and shall be construed and
     interpreted in a manner consistent with this intention.

7.2. Severability Clause.  In the event that any provision of this Plan shall
     be held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable for any reason, said
     illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining
     provisions, but shall be fully severable and the Plan shall be construed
     and enforced as if said illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions had
     never been contained herein.

7.3. Gross Misconduct.  For purposes of this Plan, "Gross Misconduct" shall be
     commission of any of the following actions by Executive during the term of
     his employment by Company:

     a.   personal dishonesty, fraud or breach of trust involving personal
          profit in connection with the Executive's employment by the Company;

     b.   willful misconduct that is materially injurious to the Company or any
          of its subsidiaries, stockholders or affiliates;

     c.   flagrant and repeated gross negligence in the performance of
          Executive's assigned duties, which remains, uncured after written
          warning by the Company.

7.4. Beneficiary.  The term "Beneficiary" shall mean the individual or trust to
     whom payments are to be paid pursuant to the terms of the Plan in the event
     of the Participant's death.  A Participant may designate a Beneficiary on a
     form provided by the Administrator, executed by the Participant, and
     delivered to the Administrator.  The Administrator may require the consent
     of the Participant's spouse to a designation if the designation specifies a
     Beneficiary other than the spouse.  Subject to the foregoing, a Participant
     may change a Beneficiary designation at anytime.  Subject to the property
     rights of any prior spouse, if no Beneficiary is designated, if the
     designation is ineffective, or if the Beneficiary dies before the balance
     of the Severance Pay is paid, the balance shall be paid to the
     Participant's surviving spouse, or if there is no surviving spouse, to the
     Participant's estate.

7.5. Incapacity of Participant or Beneficiary.  Every person receiving or
     claiming benefits under the Plan shall be conclusively presumed to be
     mentally competent and of age until the date on which the Administrator
     receives a written notice, in a form and manner acceptable to the
     Administrator, that such person is incompetent or a minor, for whom a
     guardian or other person legally vested with the care of his person or
     estate has been appointed; provided, however, that if the Administrator
     finds that any person to whom a benefit is payable under the Plan is unable
     to care for his or her affairs because of incompetency, or because he or
     she is a minor, any payment due (unless a prior claim therefor shall have
     been made by a duly appointed legal representative) may be paid to the
     spouse, a child, a parent, a brother or sister, or to any person or
     institution considered by the Administrator to have incurred expense for
     such person otherwise entitled to

                                       4
<PAGE>

     payment. To the extent permitted by law, any such payment so made shall be
     a complete discharge of liability therefor under the Plan.

     If a guardian of the estate of any person receiving or claiming benefits
     under the Plan is appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction, benefit
     payments may be made to such guardian provided that proper proof of
     appointment and continuing qualification is furnished in a form and manner
     acceptable to the Administrator.  In the event a person claiming or
     receiving benefits under the Plan is a minor, payment may be made to the
     custodian of an account for such person under the Uniform Transfers to
     Minors Act.  To the extent permitted by law, any such payment so made shall
     be a complete discharge of any liability therefor under the Plan.


7.6. Nonassignment.  The right of a Participant or Beneficiary to the payment
     of any amounts under the Plan may not be assigned, transferred, pledged or
     encumbered and to the maximum extent permitted by law, such right or other
     interests shall not be subject to attachment, garnishment, execution, or
     other legal process.

7.7. No Right to Continued Employment.  Nothing in the Plan shall be construed
     to confer upon any Participant any right to continued employment with the
     Company, nor shall the Plan interfere in any way with the right of the
     Company to terminate the employment of such Participant at any time without
     assigning any reason therefor.

7.8. Tax Withholding.  Appropriate taxes shall be withheld from cash payments
     made to Participants pursuant to the Plan.

7.9. Claims Procedure.  The Company shall establish a reasonable claims
     procedure consistent with the requirements of the Employee Retirement
     Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.  The claims procedure shall
     include the following:

     a.   Claims for benefits must be filed with the Administrator in a form
          acceptable to the Administrator.

     b.   If any claim for benefits under the Plan filed with the Administrator
          is wholly or partially denied, the claimant shall be given notice in
          writing, within 60 days of such denial, setting forth the specific
          reasons for such denial, specific reference to pertinent Plan
          provisions on which the denial is based, a description of any material
          or information necessary for claimant to perfect the claim, and an
          explanation of the Plan's claims review procedure.

     c.   The claimant (or his or her duly authorized representative) may
          request a review by the Board of the Administrator's decision denying
          the claim by filing with the Administrator, within 60 days after such
          notice has been received by the claimant, a written request for such
          review, and that he or she may review pertinent documents, and submit
          issues and comments in writing within the same 60-day period.  If such
          a request is so filed, such review shall be made by the Board within
          60 days after receipt of such request.

                                       5
<PAGE>

     d.   The claimant shall be given written notice of the decision resulting
          from such review, including specific reasons for the decision and
          specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions on which the
          decision is based.

7.10. Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended by written agreement signed by
      Company and Executive.

7.11. Notice of Address. Any payment to a Participant or Beneficiary, at the
      last known post office address on file with the Company, shall constitute
      a complete acquittance and discharge to the Company and any director or
      officer with respect thereto.

7.12. Applicable Law. This Plan shall be construed and interpreted in accordance
      with the laws of the State of New Jersey, except to the extent preempted
      by ERISA.

                                   Execution
                                   ---------

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, on the date(s) indicated below, the Company, by its
duly authorized officer, has adopted and executed this Executive Severance Pay
Plan.

                                 Orchid Biocomputer, Inc.

Date: February 3, 1999            By /s/ Donald R. Marvin
    ------------------              ----------------------
                                 Name:  Donald R. Marvin
                                 Title: Secretary

                                       6
<PAGE>

                           Orchid BioSciences, Inc.
                       Executive Severance Pay Agreement

     AGREEMENT made this ____ day of _____, _____ by and between Orchid
BioSciences, Inc. (the "Company") and ______________ (the "Executive").

     WHEREAS, the Company has adopted the Orchid Biocomputer, Inc. Executive
Severance Pay Plan (the "Plan");

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to encourage the Executive to continue in the
employ of the Company;

     WHEREAS, The Company has selected the Executive to participate in the Plan;

     WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company desire to set forth in writing the
terms of their agreement to provide Severance Pay pursuant to the Plan to the
Executive;

     NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

1.   CALCULATION OF SEVERANCE PAY:  In addition to the annual base compensation,
     bonus compensation, accumulated vacation pay and other employee benefits
     (if any) payable to the Executive, in the event of the Executive's
     Retirement or Termination for any reason other than his own Gross
     Misconduct (as defined in the Plan) the Executive shall be entitled to
     receive Severance Pay in an amount equal to
     ________________________________.

2.   SPENDTHRIFT CLAUSE:  The right of the Executive to receive Severance Pay
     may not be assigned, alienated, pledged or otherwise encumbered by the
     Executive and any attempt to do so shall be void and of no force or effect.

3.   ENTIRETY OF AGREEMENT:  This Agreement represents the entire agreement
     between the parties with respect to Severance Pay and supersedes any prior
     understanding whether written or oral regarding Severance Pay.

4.   AMENDMENT:  This Agreement may be amended by written agreement signed by
     Company and Executive.

5.   APPLICABLE LAW:  This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in
     accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, except to the extent
     preempted by ERISA.

6.   NOTICE:  Any notice or direction to be given in accordance with the
     Agreement shall be deemed to have been effectively given if hand delivered
     to the recipient with written
<PAGE>

     acknowledgment of receipt, or sent by certified mail, return receipt
     requested, to the recipient at the recipient's last known address.

7.   SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS:  The Agreement, and all actions and decisions
     hereunder, shall be binding upon the Company, its representatives,
     successors and assigns, and upon the Executive, his heirs, executors,
     successors and assigns.

8.   SEVERABILITY CLAUSE:  In the event that any provision of this Agreement
     shall be held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable for any reason, said
     illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining
     provisions, but shall be fully severable and the Agreement shall be
     construed and enforced as if said illegal, invalid or unenforceable
     provisions had never been contained herein.

9.   MISCELLANEOUS:

     A.   All payments under the Agreement shall be made from either 1.) the
          Trust established under the Plan or 2.) the general assets of Company.

     B.   Nothing contained in the Agreement shall be construed as conferring
          upon Executive the right to continue in the employ of Company nor to
          limit the right of Company to discharge Executive.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, on the date(s) indicated below, the parties have executed
the foregoing Agreement.

                                      Orchid BioSciences, Inc.

     Date:________________________    By: ______________________________

     Date:________________________    __________________________________
                                                  Executive

                                       2