FAQ

OChem Advisory is advised by Old C., a chemist with more than 25 years of experience in synthetic chemistry research across academia and industry.

He holds a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry and completed postdoctoral research before moving into industry, where he continues to work as a scientist today. His work has spanned synthetic methodology, asymmetric synthesis, catalysis, complex molecule synthesis, process chemistry, and synthetic strategy.

Old C. has published more than 10 peer-reviewed papers and is an inventor on more than 10 patents. His industry experience also includes leading large scientific teams, recruiting and interviewing scientists, and managing external research collaborations.

Years of conducting research, leading scientific teams, and evaluating scientists have given Old C. experience on both sides of scientific evaluation.

He has seen how scientific ideas, problem-solving, and communication are evaluated—not only how the science is done.

The question is not only whether the chemistry is sound, but whether the scientific logic is clear, the strategy is convincing, and someone on the other side can quickly understand why the work matters.

OChem Advisory provides independent scientific advisory in organic and synthetic chemistry.

Current services include Synthetic Strategy / Route Review, Research Proposal Review, and Scientific Presentation Advisory.

The focus is on scientific reasoning, strategy, feasibility, and communication—not general admissions consulting, career coaching, or proofreading.

The specific scope of each advisory is defined during the initial assessment and confirmed before payment.

OChem Advisory is for applicants, students, researchers, and scientists seeking an independent scientific perspective on their work in organic and synthetic chemistry.

This may include preparing for undergraduate or graduate study, PhD or postdoctoral applications, research proposals, scientific presentations, or evaluating a synthetic strategy or research problem.

You do not need to be at a particular career stage. What matters is that your request involves a scientific question where an experienced independent perspective may be useful.

Yes. If your needs do not fit one of the listed services, you are welcome to submit an Other Advisory request.

Briefly describe what you are working on and the type of scientific perspective you are looking for. I will review the request and determine whether it is within the scope of OChem Advisory.

OChem Advisory currently focuses on independent scientific advisory for applicants, students, academic researchers, and individual scientists.

Advisory for confidential or commercial industry projects is not currently offered. Scientists working in industry are welcome to submit requests related to their individual academic or professional development.

The process begins with an initial assessment of your request. I will review the information you provide to determine whether the request is a good fit and, if so, define the proposed scope, estimated turnaround, and advisory fee.

You can then decide whether you would like to proceed. Scientific advisory begins only after the scope is confirmed, payment is completed, and the materials for review have been received.

The initial assessment is used only to understand and scope your request; it does not include scientific review or advisory.

For the initial assessment, you only need to provide enough information for me to understand your request and determine whether it is a good fit. Detailed scientific materials are not required at this stage.

If you decide to proceed, you will be asked to submit the final and most complete version of the materials you would like reviewed, along with any relevant references or supporting materials.

You may redact sensitive information that is not necessary for the advisory.

Yes. Each advisory engagement includes one review based on the confirmed scope.

If you would like additional review after revising your work, follow-up advisory may be arranged separately depending on your needs.

Every advisory request is unique.

The advisory fee is determined based on the scope, complexity, and type of scientific review required.

The proposed scope, estimated turnaround, and advisory fee will be provided after the initial assessment and before you decide whether to proceed.

Payments are primarily accepted in U.S. dollars through a secure online payment provider.

Major international credit and debit cards are accepted, subject to approval by the card issuer.

Clients outside the United States should ensure that their card supports international online transactions. Currency conversion or international transaction fees may be charged by the card issuer.

Materials submitted for advisory are treated as confidential and are used only for the purpose of providing the requested advisory.

Your materials will not be shared, published, or used as examples, testimonials, or promotional content without your permission.

Please do not submit third-party confidential, proprietary, or NDA-protected materials unless you are authorized to do so. You may redact sensitive information that is not necessary for the advisory.

No specific outcome can be guaranteed, but Old C. has successfully helped others strengthen their scientific work and communication, contributing to successful PhD scholarship applications, postdoctoral appointments, and a range of academic and professional interviews.

OChem Advisory builds on that experience by helping you strengthen your science, clarify your thinking, and increase the possibility of a meaningful scientific conversation and the opportunities that may follow.

The outcome ultimately depends on many factors beyond the advisory itself.