Document:

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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     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:

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                           Orchid Biocomputer, Inc.

                     Executive Deferred Compensation Plan

                              Issued May 5, 1999
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                     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
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     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

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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

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          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.

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      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.

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                             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.

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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

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      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<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.7

                             EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                             --------------------

          EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, effective January 1, 2000 (the "Effective
Date"), by and between ORCHID BIOSCIENCES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company") and DALE R. PFOST, Ph.D., an individual (the "Executive").

                            PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS
                            ----------------------

          WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive were parties to an Employment
Agreement, dated November 1, 1996 (the "1996 Employment Agreement"); and

          WHEREAS, the Company and Executive wish to terminate the 1996
Employment Agreement; and

          WHEREAS, the Company wishes to continue its employment of the
Executive as President and Chief Executive Officer under the terms and
conditions set forth herein; and

          WHEREAS, the Executive wishes to continue his employment with Company
under the terms and conditions set forth herein.

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the
respective covenants and agreements of the parties herein contained, the parties
hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

     1.   TERMINATION OF 1996 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.
          ----------------------------------------

          The Company and the Executive agree that, as of the Effective Date,
the 1996 Employment Agreement shall be and hereby is terminated, including any
guarantees of Sarnoff Corporation.

     2.   TERM OF EMPLOYMENT.
          ------------------

          2.1  Term.  The Term of this Agreement shall be the three-year period
               ----
commencing on January 1, 2000 and ending on December 31, 2002, unless terminated
earlier pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement or extended to December 31, 2003
pursuant to Section 2.2 of this Agreement.

          2.2  Notice of Continued Employment.  The Company shall notify the
               ------------------------------
Executive no later than June 30, 2002 as to whether it intends to continue (or
not continue) the Executive's employment beyond December 31, 2002.  If the
Company notifies the Executive that it does not intend to continue his
employment beyond December 31, 2002, the Term of this Agreement shall be
extended through and until December 31, 2003.  If the Company notifies the
Executive that it intends to continue his employment beyond December 31, 2002,
and the Executive agrees to continue his employment beyond December 31, 2002,
the parties shall negotiate and memorialize in a written agreement the terms of
the Executive's continued employment; provided, however, if the parties fail to
                                      --------  -------
execute such a written agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall continue
through and until June 30, 2003. If the Company notifies the
<PAGE>

Executive pursuant to this Section 2.2 that it intends to continue his
employment, and the Executive does not agree to continue his employment after
December 31, 2002 and does not terminate his employment before December 31, 2002
for Good Reason (as defined in Section 7.5), the Executive shall be deemed to
have resigned his employment voluntarily on the earlier of December 31, 2002 and
the effective date of any prior termination without Good Reason, as defined in
this Agreement; his resignation shall constitute a Termination without Good
Reason under this Agreement; and the Executive shall not be entitled to any
severance pay. If the Company fails to notify the Executive by June 30, 2002 as
to whether it intends to continue his employment, such failure shall not be
considered a breach of this Agreement, and the Term shall be extended one day
for each day after June 30, 2002 that the Company fails to provide the Employee
with such notice.

     3.   POSITIONS AND DUTIES.
          --------------------

          3.1  Duties.  During the Term of Employment, the Executive will serve
               ------
as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company with responsibility for
the business, affairs and operations of the Company, subject to the direction
and control of the Board of Directors of the Company.  The Executive will,
during the Term of Employment, serve the Company faithfully, diligently, and
competently and to the best of his ability, and will hold, in addition to the
offices of President, and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, such other
executive offices in the Company to which he may be elected, appointed or
assigned by the Board of Directors from time to time and will discharge such
executive duties in connection therewith.  The Executive shall devote all of his
business time to the performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however,
                                                          --------  -------
that, notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the
Executive shall not be precluded from devoting reasonable periods of time
required for serving as a member of committees or advisory boards or board(s) of
directors of companies or organizations which have been approved by the Board of
Directors of the Company so long as such memberships or activities do not
interfere with the performance of the Executive's duties hereunder and are not
contrary to the business or other interests of the Company, as determined in the
sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company.

          3.2  Nomination to Board.  So long as the Executive is the President,
               -------------------
and/or Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Company will continue to use
diligent efforts to maintain the Executive's election as a director of the Board
of the Company.

     4.   COMPENSATION.
          ------------

          4.1  Salary.  The Company will, commencing with the Effective Date and
               ------
during the Term of Employment, pay the Executive as compensation for the
performance of his duties and obligations hereunder a salary at the rate of
Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000) per annum, less applicable and
customary withholdings ("Salary"), payable in approximately equal installments
not less than twice per month and otherwise in accordance with the Company's
customary payroll practices.  Such salary shall be reviewed, and increases in
such salary, if any, shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the
Company or a compensation committee formed by the Board of Directors of the
Company at the end of each 12-month period of employment after the Effective
Date during the Term of Employment.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

          4.2  Grant of Options.  By resolution of the Board of Directors, dated
               ----------------
February 2, 2000, the Company issued to the Executive as of such date the
options to purchase 730,000 shares of the Company's common stock (the "Shares"),
subject to the exercise prices and vesting schedule set forth in Exhibit A,
which shall be formalized in a separate stock option agreement.

     5.   EXPENSES AND BENEFITS.
          ---------------------

          5.1  Business Expenses.  All travel and other reasonable and ordinary
               -----------------
business expenses incident to rendering services by the Executive hereunder will
be reimbursed by the Company subject to the submission of appropriate vouchers
and receipts in accordance with the Company's policies and procedures from time
to time in effect.

          5.2  Benefits.  During the Term of Employment, and thereafter under
               --------
the specific circumstances set forth in this Agreement, the Executive shall be
entitled to participate in all employee and fringe benefit plans and programs
generally offered to other members of the Company's management who are similarly
situated, including, without limitation, all pension, profit sharing, incentive,
retirement, insurance, health and disability benefits and plans. The Company
reserves its right to modify or terminate any of its employee and fringe benefit
plans and programs at any time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall
provide the Executive, at Company cost, the following:

               5.2.1  Medical insurance for the Executive and his family
consistent with the medical insurance benefits made available by the Company to
its employees;

               5.2.2  Life insurance coverage in an amount equal to three (3)
times the Executive's Salary;

               5.2.3  Business travel insurance;

               5.2.4  Contributory long-term disability insurance consistent
with Company policy; and

               5.2.5  Contributory short-term disability insurance consistent
with Company policy.

          5.3  Cash and Stock Bonuses; Stock Options.  The Company shall pay to
               -------------------------------------
the Executive an annual bonus of up to 25% of Salary for each year during the
Term of Employment," subject to achievement of specific performance milestones
set forth in the Company's Business Plan.  The Company shall pay to the
Executive an annual bonus of up to 35% of Salary for each year during the Term
of Employment," if such specific performance milestones are substantially
exceeded, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors in its
discretion.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

          5.4  Retirement Plan. The Company shall contribute an amount equal to
               ---------------
10% per year of the Executive's Salary to a non-qualified retirement plan
established for the benefit of the Executive.  Such contributions shall be made
on a quarterly basis.

          5.5  Vacation.  During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be
               --------
entitled to four (4) weeks per year of vacation time, to be taken consistent
with the policies of the Company and the effective discharge of the Executive's
duties. Such vacation time shall accumulate from year to year, but the Executive
shall not be entitled to any payment with respect to any vacation time remaining
at the end of any year; provided however, that all accrued but unpaid vacation
                        -------- -------
pay shall be paid to the Executive upon any termination of the Executive's
employment. In addition, any such accrued vacation may be paid to the Executive
prior to termination upon the approval of the Board of Directors.

          5.6  Sick Leave; Holidays.  During the Term of Employment, the
               --------------------
Executive shall be entitled to sick leave and holidays in accordance with the
established policies of the Company from time to time in effect.

          5.7  Waiver of Compensation for Board Service.  The Executive waives
               ----------------------------------------
any right to receive additional compensation in respect of service as a director
of the Company or a member of any committees of the Board of Directors, and
agrees that the consideration set forth in this Agreement shall constitute
compensation for such services as may be requested of the Executive by the
Company.

          5.8  Legal Expenses for Review of this Agreement.  The Company agrees
               -------------------------------------------
to reimburse the Executive for all reasonable legal expenses incurred by him in
connection with the review, negotiation, and finalization of this Agreement.

     6.   ANNUAL REVIEW.
          -------------

          The Board of Directors of the Company shall conduct an annual review
of the Executive's performance, at which time the Board shall determine the
Executive's bonus, if any, for the previous year and the Salary for the
following year pursuant to Sections 5.3 and 2.1, respectively.

     7.   TERMINATION.
          -----------

          7.1  Death.  This Agreement shall be terminated by the death of the
               -----
Executive. In the event that the Executive's employment is terminated by reason
of death, the Executive's estate shall receive his accrued but unpaid Salary,
accrued but unpaid vacation pay, and benefits in accordance with the Company's
benefit plans, programs, and/or policies.

          7.2  Disability.  This Agreement may be terminated by the Board of
               ----------
Directors of the Company for "Disability" if, as a result of the Executive's
incapacity due to physical or mental illness, the Executive shall have been
absent from the Executive's duties hereunder on a full time basis for six (6)
months.  In the event that the Executive receives disability insurance benefits
paid for by the Company during any period prior to the termination of this
Agreement

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

by reason of Disability pursuant to this Section, the Executive's Salary shall
be reduced by an amount equal to such disability insurance benefits received
during such period. If the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated by
reason of Disability of the Executive, the Company shall give ten (10) days
written notice to that effect to the Executive in the manner provided herein. In
such case, the Executive shall receive as severance Salary for a period of
eighteen (18) months after the date of termination; provided, however, that the
                                                    --------  -------
severance payments payable hereunder by the Company to the Executive during such
eighteen-month period shall be reduced by an amount equal to any disability
insurance benefits paid for by the Company and received by the Executive during
such eighteen-month period, with such benefits being grossed-up for purposes of
such calculation by the amount necessary to make such payment equivalent on a
pre-tax basis to the Salary payments received by the Executive.

          7.3  For Cause.  The Company shall have the right to terminate the
               ---------
Executive's employment for Cause (as hereinafter defined). In the event that the
Executive's employment hereunder is terminated for Cause (as hereinafter
defined), the Company shall pay to the Executive only the Salary earned to the
date of termination and any accrued but unpaid vacation pay, and the Executive
shall not be entitled to any severance pay. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Cause" shall mean (i) conviction of any crime (whether or not involving the
Company) constituting a felony in the jurisdiction involved; (ii) engaging in
any substantiated act involving moral turpitude; (iii) gross neglect or
misconduct in the performance of Executive's duties hereunder; (iv) willful
failure or refusal to perform such duties as may reasonably be delegated to
Executive; or (v) material breach of any provision of this Agreement by
Executive; provided, however, that with respect to clauses (iii), (iv) or (v),
           --------  -------
Executive shall have received written notice from the Company setting forth the
alleged act or failure to act constituting "Cause" hereunder, and Executive
shall not have cured such act or refusal to act within thirty (30) days of his
actual receipt of notice.

          7.4  Termination Without Cause.  The Company may terminate the
               -------------------------
Executive's employment at any time without Cause.

               7.4.1  Termination on or before December 31, 2000.  If the
                      ------------------------------------------
Executive's employment is terminated under this Section 7.4 on or before
December 31, 2000, the Company shall provide the Executive with six (6) months'
notice of such termination and shall pay to the Executive, in lieu of any
further compensation and benefits for the balance of the Term and provided that
the Executive complies with paragraph 7.7, severance pay equal to the Salary
that the Executive would have otherwise received during the eighteen (18) month
period immediately following the effective date of the termination.

               7.4.2  Termination after December 31, 2000 but on or before
                      ----------------------------------------------------
December 31, 2001.  If the Executive's employment is terminated under this
-----------------
Section 7.4 after December 31, 2000 but before January 1, 2002, the Company
shall provide the Executive with twelve (12) months' notice of such termination
and shall pay to the Executive, in lieu of any further compensation and benefits
for the balance of the Term and provided that the Executive complies with
paragraph 7.7, severance pay equal to the Salary that the Executive would have
otherwise received during the eighteen (18) month period immediately following
the effective date of the termination.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

               7.4.3  Termination after December 31, 2001 but on or before June
                      ----------------------------------------------------------
30, 2002.  If the Executive's employment is terminated under this Section 7.4
--------
after December 31, 2001 but before July 1, 2002, the Company shall provide the
Executive with eighteen (18) months' notice of such termination and shall pay to
the Executive, in lieu of any further compensation and benefits for the balance
of the Term and provided that the Executive complies with paragraph 7.7,
severance pay equal to eighteen (18) months of Salary following the effective
date of termination.

               7.4.4  Termination after June 30, 2002.
                      -------------------------------

                      7.4.4.1  If Company Has Previously Notified Executive of
                               ------------------------------------------------
Intent Not to Continue Employment.  If the Executive's employment is terminated
---------------------------------
under this Section 7.4 after June 30, 2002 and the Company has notified the
Executive pursuant to Section 2.2 of its intention not to continue the
Executive's employment, the Company shall pay to the Executive, in lieu of any
further compensation and benefits for the balance of the Term, as extended
pursuant to Section 2.2 of this Agreement, and provided that the Executive
complies with section 7.7, severance pay equal to the Salary the Executive would
have received for the balance of the Term plus severance pay equal to eighteen
(18) months of Salary payments, to be paid consecutively.

                      7.4.4.2  If Company Has Previously Notified Executive of
                               -----------------------------------------------
Intent to Continue Employment.  If the Executive's employment is terminated
-----------------------------
under this Section 7.4 after June 30, 2002 (but before the expiration of the
Term) and the Company has notified the Executive pursuant to Section 2.2 that it
intended to continue his employment, the Company shall provide the Executive
with eighteen (18) months' notice of such termination and shall pay to the
Executive, in lieu of any further compensation and benefits for the balance of
the Term and provided that the Executive complies with section 7.7, severance
pay equal to eighteen (18) months of Salary following the effective date of
termination; provided, however, if the parties fail to execute a written
             --------  -------
agreement by June 30, 2003 and the Company at any time thereafter terminates the
Executive's employment without Cause, the Company shall provide the Executive
with twelve (12) months' notice of such termination and shall pay to the
Executive, in lieu of any further compensation and benefits for the balance of
the Term and provided that the Executive complies with section 7.7, severance
pay equal to eighteen (18) months of Salary following the effective date of
termination.

                      7.4.4.3  If Company Has Previously Not Notified Executive
                               ------------------------------------------------
of Intent to Continue Employment.  If the Executive's employment is terminated
--------------------------------
under this Section 7.4 after June 30, 2002 and the Company has not notified the
Executive pursuant to Section 2.2 as to whether it intended to continue (or not
continue) his employment, the Company shall provide the Executive with eighteen
(18) months' notice of such termination and shall pay to the Executive, in lieu
of any further compensation and benefits for the balance of the Term, as
extended, and provided that the Executive complies with section 7.7, severance
pay equal to eighteen (18) months of Salary.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

               7.4.5  Payment of Severance to Be Made in Installments.  The
                      -----------------------------------------------
severance pay under this Section 7.4 shall be paid in equal installments no less
frequently than on a monthly basis.

               7.4.6  Right to Severance Ceases upon Breach of Sections 8, 9,
                      -------------------------------------------------------
or 10. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the event
-----
that the Executive shall breach Section 8, 9 or 10 of this Agreement and such
breach clearly is not insignificant, as determined by at least a two-thirds
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company, in addition to any other
remedies the Company may have in the event the Executive breaches this
Agreement, the Company's obligation pursuant to this Section to continue such
Salary shall cease and the Executive's rights thereto shall terminate and shall
be forfeited.

               7.4.7  Rights of the Company after Notice of Termination.
                      -------------------------------------------------
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, upon the Company's
notification of the Executive of the termination of his employment under this
Section 7, the Company shall be entitled (i) to hire a co-Chief Executive
Officer to serve concurrently with the Executive and perform some or all of the
functions previously performed by the Executive, as determined by the Board of
Directors in its sole discretion and (ii) to reduce or otherwise modify the
responsibilities of the Executive in its sole discretion.

          7.5  Termination by the Executive for Good Reason.  The Executive
               --------------------------------------------
shall have the right to terminate this Agreement for Good Reason. For purposes
of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall be defined as (i) any material diminution
in the Executive's title or responsibilities or (ii) the Company's breach of
Section 4 of this Agreement, provided that such diminution or breach is not
cured within thirty (30) days after the Executive provides written notice of
such diminution or breach. If the Executive terminates his employment pursuant
to this Section, the Company shall pay to the Executive, in lieu of any further
compensation and benefits for the balance of the Term, severance pay equal to
the eighteen (18) months Salary. Severance pay under this Section shall be paid
in equal installments no less frequently than on a monthly basis.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the event that the
Executive shall breach Section 8, 9 or 10 of this Agreement and such breach
clearly is not insignificant, as determined by at least a two-thirds majority of
the Board of Directors of the Company, in addition to any other remedies the
Company may have in the event the Executive breaches this Agreement, the
Company's obligation pursuant to this Section to continue such Salary shall
cease and the Executive's rights thereto shall terminate and shall be forfeited.

          7.6  Termination by the Executive Without Good Reason. The Executive
               ------------------------------------------------
shall have the right to terminate this Agreement without Good Reason.  In the
event that the Executive terminates his employment with the Company without Good
Reason, the Company shall pay to the Executive only the Salary earned to the
date of termination and any accrued but unpaid vacation pay, and the Executive
shall not be entitled to any severance pay.

          7.7. No Further Liability; Release.  Payment made and performance by
               -----------------------------
the Company in accordance with this Section 7 shall operate to fully discharge
and release the Company and its directors, officers, employees, subsidiaries,
affiliates, stockholders, successors, assigns, agents and representatives from
any further obligation or liability with respect to

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

Executive's employment and termination of employment. Other than paying
Executive's Base Salary through the date of termination of Executive's
employment and making any severance payment pursuant to and in accordance with
this Section 7 (as applicable), the Company and its directors, officers,
employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, successors, assigns, agents
and representatives shall have no further obligation or liability to Executive
or any other person under this Agreement. The Company shall have the right to
condition the payment of any severance pursuant to this Section 7 upon the
delivery by Executive to the Company of a release substantially similar to the
form attached as Exhibit B of any and all claims Executive may have against the
Company and its directors, officers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates,
stockholders, successors, assigns, agents and representatives arising out of or
related to Executive's employment by the Company and the termination of such
employment.

          7.8  Delivery of Resignations.  In the event that the Executive's
               ------------------------
services hereunder are terminated under any of the provision of this Agreement
(except Section 7.1), the Executive agrees that he will deliver his written
resignation as an officer and/or director of the Company to the Board of
Directors, such resignation to become effective as of the date of his final date
of employment as determined by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that
                                                       --------  -------
nothing herein shall be deemed to affect the provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10,
and 11 hereof. No severance payments under this Section 7 shall be made unless
the Board of Directors receives such written resignation.

     8.   DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION:  INVENTIONS AND DISCOVERIES.
          ------------------------------------------------------

          The Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company all processes,
trademarks, inventions, improvements, discoveries and other information related
to the business of the Company (collectively "Developments") conceived,
developed or acquired by him alone or with others during the Term of Employment,
whether or not during regular working hours or through the use of materials or
facilities of the Company. All Developments shall be the sole and exclusive
property of the Company, and, upon request, the Executive shall promptly deliver
to the Company all drawings, sketches, models and other data and records
relating to the Developments. In the event that any such Development shall be
deemed by the Company to be patentable, the Executive shall, at the expense of
the Company, assist the Company in obtaining a patent or patents thereon and
execute all documents and do all such other acts and things necessary or proper
to obtain letters of patent and to invest in the Company full right, title and
interest in and to such Development.

     9.   NONDISCLOSURE.
          -------------

          9.1  Existence of Confidential Information.  The Company owns and has
               -------------------------------------
developed and compiled, and will develop and compile, certain proprietary
techniques and confidential information which have great value to its business
(referred to in this Agreement, collectively, as "Confidential Information").
Confidential Information includes not only information disclosed by the Company
to the Executive, but also information developed or learned by the Executive
during the course or as a result of employment with the Company, which
information shall be the property of the Company.  Confidential Information
includes all information that has or could have commercial value or other
utility in the businesses in which

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

the Company is engaged or contemplates engaging, and all information of which
the unauthorized disclosure could be detrimental to the interests of the
Company, whether or not such information is specifically labeled as Confidential
Information by such entity. By way of example and without limitation,
Confidential Information includes any and all information developed, obtained,
licensed by or to or owned by the Company concerning trade secrets, techniques,
know-how (including designs, plans, procedures, merchandising, marketing,
distribution and warehousing know-how, processes, and research records),
software, computer programs and designs, development tools, all proprietary
property, and any other intellectual property created, used or sold (through a
license or otherwise) by the Company, electronic data information know-how and
processes, innovations, discoveries, improvements, research, development, test
results, reports, specifications, data, formats, marketing data and plans,
business plans, strategies, forecasts, unpublished financial information,
orders, agreements and other forms of documents, price and cost information,
merchandising opportunities, expansion plans, budgets, projections, customer,
supplier, licensee, licensor and subcontractor identities, characteristics,
agreements and operating procedures, and salary, staffing and employment
information.

          9.2  Protection of Confidential Information.  The Executive
               --------------------------------------
acknowledges and agrees that in the performance of Executive's duties hereunder
the Company may disclose to and entrust the Executive with Confidential
Information which is the exclusive property of such entities and which the
Executive may possess or use only in the performance of the Executive's duties
to the Company. The Executive also acknowledges that Executive is aware that the
unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information, among other things, may be
prejudicial to the Company's interests, an invasion of privacy and an improper
disclosure of trade secrets. The Executive shall not, directly or indirectly,
use, make available, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any corporation,
partnership or other entity, individual or other third party, other than in the
course of the Executive's assigned duties and for the benefit of the Company,
any Confidential Information, either during the Term or thereafter. In the event
the Executive desires to publish the results of the Executive's work for or
experiences with the Company through literature, interviews or speeches, the
Executive will submit requests for such interviews or such literature or
speeches to the Board of Directors of the Company at least fourteen (14) days
before any anticipated dissemination of such information for a determination of
whether such disclosure is in the best interests of the Company, including
whether such disclosure may impair trade secret status or constitute an invasion
of privacy. The Executive agrees not to publish, disclose or otherwise
disseminate such information without the prior written approval of the Board of
Directors of the Company.

          9.3  Delivery of Records, Etc.  In the event the Executive's
               -------------------------
employment with the Company ceases for any reason, the Executive will not remove
from the Company's premises without its prior written consent any records
(written or electronic), files, drawings, documents, equipment, materials and
writings received from, created for or belonging to the Company, including those
which relate to or contain Confidential Information, or any copies thereof.
Upon request or when employment with the Company terminates, the Executive will
immediately deliver the same to the Company.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

     10.  NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION.
          ------------------------------------

          10.1  Non-competition.  The Executive recognizes the highly
                ---------------
competitive nature of the Company's business and that the Executive's position
with the Company and access to and use of the Company's confidential records and
proprietary information renders the Executive special and unique. The Executive
hereby agrees that, during the Term of Employment and for a period of one (1)
year after the termination of the Executive's employment with the Company for
any reason, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, own, manage,
operate, join, control, participate in, invest in or otherwise be connected or
associated with, in any manner, including as an officer, director, employee,
independent contractor, stockholder, member, partner, consultant, advisor,
agent, proprietor, trustee or investor, any Competing Business located in the
United States; provided, however, that ownership of 2% or less of the stock or
               --------  -------
other securities of a corporation, the stock of which is listed on a national
securities exchange or is quoted on The Nasdaq Stock Market, shall not
constitute a breach of this Section 10, so long as the Executive does not in
fact have the power to control, or direct the management of, or is not otherwise
associated with, such corporation.

          For purposes hereof, the term "Competing Business" shall mean any
business or venture which, directly or indirectly, engages in a business that
competes with the business of the Company.

          10.2  No Solicitation of Employment.  During the Term of Employment
                -----------------------------
and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, Executive shall not solicit or
encourage any employee of the Company to leave the Company for any reason, nor
assist any business in doing so, nor employ such an employee in a Competing
Business or any other business.

     11.  INSURANCE.
          ---------

          The Company shall have the right at its own cost and expense to apply
for and to secure in its own name, or otherwise, life, health or accident
insurance or any or all of them covering the Executive, and the Executive agrees
to cooperate with the Company in connection with the procurement of any such
insurance, and any claims thereunder.

     12.  REMEDIES FOR BREACH.
          -------------------

          The parties hereto agree that the Executive is obligated under this
Agreement to render personal services during the Term of Employment of a
special, unique, unusual, extraordinary and intellectual character, thereby
giving this Agreement special value, and, in the event of a breach or threatened
breach of any covenant of the Executive herein, the injury or imminent injury to
the value and the goodwill of the Company's business could not be reasonably or
adequately compensated in damages in an action at law. Accordingly, Executive
expressly acknowledges that the Company shall be entitled to specific
performance, injunctive relief or any other equitable remedy against the
Executive, without the posting of a bond, in the event of any breach or
threatened breach of any provision of this Agreement by the Executive
(including, without limitation, Sections 8, 9, and 10). Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, if the Executive breaches or threatens to breach
Section 8, 9 or 10 of this Agreement, such breach or threatened breach will
entitle the Company, without posting of bond, to an

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

injunction prohibiting (i) the Executive from disclosing any Confidential
Information to any Competing Business; (ii) such Competing Business from
receiving from the Executive or using any such Confidential Information; and
(iii) the Executive from, indirectly or directly, owning, managing, operating,
joining, controlling, participating in, investing in or otherwise being
connected or associated with, in any manner, any such Competing Business. The
rights and remedies of the parties hereto are cumulative and shall not be
exclusive, and each such party shall be entitled to pursue all legal and
equitable rights and remedies and to secure performance of the obligations and
duties of the other under this Agreement, and the enforcement of one or more of
such rights and remedies by a party shall in no way preclude such party from
pursuing, at the same time or subsequently, any and all other rights and
remedies available to it.

     13.  ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER.
          -----------------------

          13.1 The Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
               -----------
enforceable by, and may be assigned by the Company to, any purchaser of all or
substantially all of the Company's business or assets, any successor to the
Company or any assignee thereof (whether direct or indirect, by purchase,
merger, consolidation or otherwise).

          13.2 The Executive.  The Executive's rights and obligations under
               -------------
this Agreement shall not be transferable by the Executive by assignment or
otherwise, and any purported assignment, transfer or delegation thereof shall be
void; provided, however, that if the Executive shall die, all amounts then
      --------  -------
payable to the Executive hereunder shall be paid in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement to the Executive's devisee, legatee or other designee or, if
there be no such designee, to the Executive's estate.

     14.  NOTICES.
          -------

          All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in
writing and delivered by any method providing for proof of delivery.  Any notice
shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt.  Notices shall be
delivered to the parties at the following addresses until a different address
has been designated by notice to the other party:

          14.1  If to the Executive:

                Dale R. Pfost, Ph.D.
                4 Rosedale Way
                Pennington, NJ 08534

          14.2  If to the Company:

                Orchid BioSciences, Inc.
                303 College Road East
                Princeton, NJ 08540
                Attention: Chief Operating Officer

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

     15.  MISCELLANEOUS.
          -------------

          No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged
unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed
by the Company and the Executive. No waiver by either party hereto at any time
of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any provision of
this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of
similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or
subsequent time. Except for the guaranty attached hereto and made a part hereof,
no agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with
respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party or any other
party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. The validity,
interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed
by the laws of the State of New Jersey applicable in the case of agreements made
and entirely performed in such State. The parties agree that all actions or
proceedings arising in connection with this Agreement shall be tried and
litigated exclusively in the State and Federal courts located in the County of
Mercer, State of New Jersey. The aforementioned choice of venue is intended by
the parties to be mandatory and not permissive in nature, thereby precluding the
possibility of litigation between the parties with respect to or arising out of
this Agreement in any jurisdiction other than that specified in this paragraph.

     16.  VALIDITY.
          --------

          It is the intention of the Executive and the Company that the
provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, those of Sections
8, 9, 10 and 12 hereof) shall be enforced to the fullest extent permissible
under the laws and public policies of each jurisdiction in which such
enforcement is sought. The invalidity or enforceability of any provision or
provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of
any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and
effect. If any tribunal of competent jurisdiction shall decide that any of the
provisions of this Agreement should be deemed illegal or unenforceable, then
only those provisions shall be deemed invalid (or shall be appropriately
modified to the maximum extent permissible in keeping with the intent of the
parties) and the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and
effect.

     17.  SURVIVAL.
          --------

          The provisions of Sections 7 (regardless of the continuation of
Executive's Salary thereunder), 8, 9, 10, 12 and 17 hereof shall survive the
termination of this Agreement and shall be binding upon the Executive's personal
or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs,
distributees, devises and legatees.

     18.  HEADINGS.
          --------

          The headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only
and are not part of the substance of this Agreement.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

     19.  COUNTERPARTS.
          ------------

          This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be a original but all of which together will constitute
one and the same instrument.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as
of the date and year first above written.

EXECUTIVE                                    ORCHID BIOSCIENCES, INC.

/s/ Dale R. Pfost                            By: /s/ Sidney M. Hecht
--------------------                             ---------------------
Dale R. Pfost, Ph.D.                             Name:  Sidney M. Hecht
                                                 Title Director

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

                                   Exhibit A
                                   ---------

          The options to purchase 730,000 shares of the Company's common stock
issued to the Executive on February 2, 2000, include:

          1.   The option to purchase 100,000 shares at $1.25 per share, which
shall vest in equal increments monthly over a period of four years; provided,
                                                                    --------
however, vesting shall accelerate upon any acquisition of the Company.
-------

          2.   The option to purchase 270,000 shares at $6.00 per share, which
shall vest in equal increments monthly over a period of four years; provided,
                                                                    --------
however, vesting shall accelerate upon any acquisition of the Company.
-------

          3.   The option to purchase 120,000 shares at $6.00 per share, which
shall vest if and when the price of Orchid Biocomputer stock exceeds $16 within
the period between 6 and 18 months immediately following the Company's initial
public offering ("IPO") and is sustained for 45 trading days thereafter
(trailing 45-day average); provided, however, vesting shall accelerate if any
                           --------  -------
acquisition of the Company occurs with a stock or equivalent purchase price of
at least $16 per share.

          4.   The option to purchase 120,000 shares at $6.00 per share, which
shall vest if and when the price of Orchid Biocomputer stock exceeds $32 within
the period between 6 and 30 months immediately following the IPO and is
sustained for 45 trading days thereafter (trailing 45-day average); provided,
                                                                    --------
however, vesting shall accelerate if any acquisition of the Company occurs with
-------
a stock or equivalent purchase price of at least $32 per share.

          5.   The option to purchase 120,000 shares at $6.00 per share, which
shall vest if and when the price of Orchid Biocomputer stock exceeds $64 within
the period between 6 and 42 months immediately following the IPO and is
sustained for 45 trading days thereafter (trailing 45-day average); provided,
                                                                    --------
however, vesting shall accelerate if any acquisition of the Company occurs with
-------
a stock or equivalent purchase price of at least $64 per share.

          To the extent permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and any other
applicable law, the options described above shall be Incentive Stock Options.
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT B
                                   ---------

                    SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

     WHEREAS, ______________ (the "Employee") is an employee of Orchid
Biosciences, Inc. ("Orchid"); and

     WHEREAS, the Employee is being terminated from employment with Orchid for
___________; and

     WHEREAS, the Employee is entitled to certain severance benefits identified
in an Employment Agreement dated _____, 2000 (the "Employment Agreement"); and

     WHEREAS, the severance benefits under the Employment Agreement are
contingent upon the execution of this Severance Agreement and General Release
(the "Agreement").

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises
set forth below, the Employee and Orchid agree as follows:

1.   Last Day of Employment.  The Employee's last day of employment with Orchid
     ----------------------
     will be _____________, ______ (the "Termination Date").

2.   General Benefits.  Upon the Termination Date the Employee will be entitled
     ----------------
     to the following general benefits:

     a.   All salary and wages through the Termination Date will be paid in
          accordance with Orchid's normal payroll procedure or in a single lump
          sum payment, as determined within the discretion of Orchid.

     b.   The Employee is entitled to accrued vacation pay, totaling $_________,
          which will be included in the Employee's final paycheck for the period
          ending on the Termination Date.

     c.   The Employee is entitled to elect to receive continuation health
          coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of
          1985 ("COBRA") after the Employee's Termination Date, which is the
          date of a "qualifying event" under COBRA.

     d.   All group-term life insurance, long-term disability, short-term
          disability, and other welfare benefits terminate in accordance with
          the provisions of all plans.  The Employee may be entitled to
          individual conversion privileges under the various policies.  Orchid
          will provide information to the Employee regarding all individual
          conversion rights.

     e.   The Employee's entitlement, if any, to a distribution of all benefits
          under the Orchid

                                       1
<PAGE>

          Profit Sharing and Section 401(k) Plan (the "Section 401(k) Plan"),
          will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Section 401(k)
          Plan.

     f.   The Employee will be entitled to state unemployment benefits, if any,
          in accordance with the rules for the State of the Employee's
          employment.

3.   Severance Benefits.  Orchid will provide the Employee with a severance
     ------------------
     benefit equal to all severance benefits identified in Section 7 of the
     Employment Agreement.

     All severance benefits will be paid by and in accordance with the Company's
     normal payroll procedures.  However, no severance benefits will be paid
     until after 8 days after receipt of an executed copy of this Agreement by
     Orchid, and the return of all property to Orchid, as provided in Section 5.
     Severance benefits will also be reduced to the extent of any advance
     payments, for any excess expense reimbursements, and for any amounts owed
     to Orchid by the Employee.

     Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the payment of any severance
     benefits will not be treated as extending the Employee's employment for any
     employee benefit or employment purposes.

4.   Adequate Consideration.  The Employee agrees that the severance benefit
     ----------------------
     identified in Section 3 is adequate and sufficient consideration for the
     Employee's execution of the General Release set forth below.

5.   Return of Property.  To the extent the Employee is in the possession of any
     ------------------
     Orchid property, including personal computers ("PCs"), fax machines,
     scanners, copiers, cellular phones, Orchid credit cards, and any Orchid
     documents, correspondence and related corporate materials, the Employee
     will return all property to Orchid on or before the Termination Date.

6.   Expense Accounts and Reports.  The Employee will be allowed to submit a
     ----------------------------
     final expense reports and accountings to Orchid within 2 weeks after the
     Termination Date, and will receive all necessary reimbursements from
     Orchid.

7.   General Release.  The Employee agrees to fully release and forever
     ---------------
     discharge Orchid, its successors, assigns and any related companies, and
     their respective shareholders, officers, employees, agents and directors,
     from all claims or demands the Employee may have arising out of or related
     to the Employee's employment or termination with Orchid, including claims
     of which the Employee is unaware and claims which are not specifically
     released and identified below.  These claims include, but are not limited
     to, claims arising under the Constitution of the United States, a release
     of any rights or claims the Employee may have under the Age Discrimination
     in Employment Act of 1967 as amended ("ADEA"), 29 U.S.C. 621 et seq., which
                                                                  -- ---
     prohibits age discrimination in employment; Title VII of the Civil Right
     Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000(e) et seq., which prohibits
                                                -- ---
     discrimination in employment based on race, color, national origin,
     religion or sex; the Civil Rights Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. 1981 et seq.; the
                                                                   -- ---
     Equal Pay Act, which prohibits paying men and women

                                       2
<PAGE>

     unequal pay for equal work; or any other federal, state or local laws or
     regulations prohibiting employment discrimination; Employee Retirement
     Income Security Act, 29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.; Executive Orders 11246 and
                                         -- ---
     11141; the Constitution of the State of New Jersey or any other states in
     which the Employee resides or works; any New Jersey or other state laws
     against discrimination; any claims of breach of public policy of the State
     of New Jersey or other state, negligence, breach of contract, wrongful
     discharge, constructive discharge, breach of an implied covenant of good
     faith and fair dealings; any express or implied contracts with Orchid or
     any related companies; any federal or state common law and any federal,
     state or local statutes, ordinances and regulations. The Employee further
     waives any claim or right to payment of any attorney's fees or expenses.

     Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, this release does not
     include a release of (a) the Employee's rights under this Agreement; or (b)
     the Employee's right, if any, to individual conversion privileges under any
     medical, dental, long term disability, life insurance, and other welfare
     program.

8.   No Future Lawsuits.  The Employee agrees that the Employee will not file,
     ------------------
     or permit to be filed in the Employee's name or on the Employee's behalf,
     any lawsuit or administrative claim against any of the person or entities
     released in this Agreement based upon any act or event that is the subject
     matter of this Agreement and which occurred before the effective date of
     this Agreement.

9.   Non-Admission of Liability.  The use of this Agreement by Orchid does not
     --------------------------
     signify any liability by Orchid or any related companies to provide any
     benefits.

10.  Period for Review and Consideration of Agreement.  The Employee understands
     ------------------------------------------------
     that the Employee will be given a period of 21 days to review and consider
     this Agreement before signing it.  The Employee further understands that
     the Employee may wait up to 21 day period prior to signing the Agreement,
                  --------
     or may also execute the Agreement prior to the expiration of the 21 day
                                       --------
     review period.

11.  Older Workers Benefit Protection Act.  The Company is not required to
     ------------------------------------
     provide the Employee with any demographic information required by the Older
     Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, due to the individual nature of
     this termination. [To confirm based upon future facts and law.]

12.  Encouragement to Consult Attorney.  The Employee is encouraged to consult
     ---------------------------------
     with an attorney before signing this Agreement.

13.  Right to Revoke Agreement.  The Employee may revoke this Agreement within 7
     -------------------------
     days of the Employee's signing of this Agreement.  If this Agreement has
     not been revoked within such 7 day period it becomes effective on the 8th
     day.  Revocation can be made by delivering a written notice of revocation
     to Sarajane N. Mackenzie, Vice President of Human Resources.  For this
     revocation to be effective, written notice must be received by Orchid no
     later than close of business on the 7th day after the Employee signs this
     Agreement.  If the Employee fails to sign this Agreement or revokes this
     Agreement, it will not be effective

                                       3
<PAGE>

     or enforceable and the Employee will not receive the severance benefit
     described in Section 3 of this Agreement.

14.  Confidentiality of Terms.  The Employee and Orchid agree that the terms of
     ------------------------
     this Agreement are confidential and will not be disclosed to any person
     without the written consent of Orchid, except to the Employee's legal and
     tax advisors and members of the Employee's immediate family, or to the
     extent required by law.  However, the Employee agrees and acknowledges that
     this Agreement may be introduced as evidence by Orchid in the event the
     Employee commences any legal, administrative, judicial or arbitration
     proceeding against Orchid.

15.  Non-Defamation.  The Employee agrees that he will not, directly or
     --------------
     indirectly, in public or private, deprecate, impugn or otherwise make any
     remarks that would tend to or be construed to tend to defame Orchid or its
     reputation, nor will the Employee assist any other person, firm or company
     in engaging in such activities.  Orchid also agrees not to engage in any
     activities, directly or indirectly, that would defame the Employee, or his
     reputation.

16.  Entire Agreement.  This document, constitutes the entire Agreement between
     ----------------
     the Employee and Orchid, concerning the subject matter hereof.  Orchid has
     made no promises to the Employee other than those in this Agreement,
     concerning the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement supersedes all prior
     agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such
     subject matters, except as provided in Section 20 below.

17.  Severability Clause.  If any one or more provisions contained in this
     -------------------
     Agreement will, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or
     unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or
     unenforceability will not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but
     this Agreement will be construed as if such invalid, illegal or
     unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

18.  No Release of Future Claims.  This Agreement does not waive or release any
     ---------------------------
     rights or claims that the Employee may have under the Age Discrimination in
     Employment Act which arise after the effective date of the Agreement, if
     applicable.

19.  Reference.  Reference inquiries from prospective employers will be handled
     ---------
     by only verifying the Employee's dates of employment and last position held
     with Orchid.

20.  Employment Agreement.  Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, all
     --------------------
     provisions of the Employment Agreement that survive the termination of the
     Employment Agreement shall continue in full force and effect, including any
     confidentiality, nonsoliciation and other provisions.

21.  New Jersey Law.  The Employee and Orchid agree that this Agreement and any
     --------------
     interpretation thereof will be governed by the laws of the State of New
     Jersey, except as preempted by ERISA.

     THE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE EMPLOYEE HAS READ THIS

                                       4
<PAGE>

     AGREEMENT, UNDERSTANDS IT AND IS VOLUNTARILY ENTERING INTO IT.

                                   EMPLOYEE

___________________  _____________________________
Dated

                           ORCHID BIOSCIENCES, INC.

___________________ By:____________________________
Dated

For internal use:

     Date Delivered to Employee: _______, ______.

     21 Day Period for Consideration Ends:  _______________________

     Date signed:  ______________

     7-Day Period for Revocation Ends:  ______________________

                                       5

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