diff --git a/GRID_SEARCH.md b/GRID_SEARCH.md
index 8b98400d..f258ebf9 100644
--- a/GRID_SEARCH.md
+++ b/GRID_SEARCH.md
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ see what trial is actually being run by looking for lines like this one:
 ```log
 2026-03-10 02:03:23.664 | INFO     | sampleworks.utils.guidance_script_utils:run_guidance_job_queue:589 - Running job 1/15: GuidanceConfig(protein='5I
 MV_1.0occB', structure='/data/inputs/processed/5IMV/5IMV_single_001_density_input.cif', density='/data/inputs/occ_sweeps/1.0occB/density_maps/5IMV_1.0
-occB_1.00A.ccp4', model='boltz2', guidance_type='pure_guidance', log_path='/data/results/5IMV_1.0occB/boltz2_X-RAY_DIFFRACTION/pure_guidance/ens8_gw0.
+occB_1.00A.ccp4', model_name='boltz2', guidance_type='pure_guidance', log_path='/data/results/5IMV_1.0occB/boltz2_X-RAY_DIFFRACTION/pure_guidance/ens8_gw0.
 1/run.log', output_dir='/data/results/5IMV_1.0occB/boltz2_X-RAY_DIFFRACTION/pure_guidance/ens8_gw0.1', partial_diffusion_step=120, loss_order=2, resol
 ution=1.0, device='cuda:0', gradient_normalization=True, em=False, guidance_start=-1, augmentation=True, align_to_input=True)
 ```
diff --git a/run_grid_search.py b/run_grid_search.py
index d3f77df7..4987239c 100755
--- a/run_grid_search.py
+++ b/run_grid_search.py
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 class GridSearchConfig:
     """Serializable summary of the grid-search dimensions and output location."""
 
-    model: str
+    model_name: str
     scalers: list[str]
     ensemble_sizes: list[int]
     gradient_weights: list[float]
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ def build_args_for_process_pool(
         protein=job.protein,
         structure=job.structure_path,
         density=job.density_path,
-        model=job.model,
+        model_name=job.model_name,
         guidance_type=job.scaler,
         log_path=job.log_path,
         output_dir=job.output_dir,
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ def run_grid_search(
         futures = {}
 
         for worker_num, job_queue_path in enumerate(job_queue_paths):
-            model = worker_job_queues[worker_num][0].model
+            model = worker_job_queues[worker_num][0].model_name
             future = executor.submit(
                 run_guidance_queue_script,
                 job_queue_path,
@@ -286,13 +286,13 @@ def run_grid_search(
                     if r.status == "success":
                         successful += 1
                         log.info(
-                            f"SUCCESS ({r.protein}, {r.model}, {r.method}, {r.scaler} "
+                            f"SUCCESS ({r.protein}, {r.model_name}, {r.method}, {r.scaler} "
                             f"{r.runtime_seconds:.1f}s): {r.log_path}"
                         )
                     else:
                         failed += 1
                         log.error(
-                            f"FAILED ({r.protein}, {r.model}, {r.method}, {r.scaler} "
+                            f"FAILED ({r.protein}, {r.model_name}, {r.method}, {r.scaler} "
                             f"exit={r.exit_code}): {r.log_path}"
                         )
             except Exception as e:
@@ -447,7 +447,7 @@ def main(args: argparse.Namespace):
         return
 
     config = GridSearchConfig(
-        model=args.model,
+        model_name=args.model,
         scalers=args.scalers.split(),
         ensemble_sizes=[int(x) for x in args.ensemble_sizes.split()],
         gradient_weights=[float(x) for x in args.gradient_weights.split()],
@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@ def generate_jobs(args: argparse.Namespace) -> list[JobConfig]:
                                     structure_path=structure,
                                     density_path=density,
                                     resolution=resolution,
-                                    model=model,
+                                    model_name=model,
                                     scaler=scaler,
                                     ensemble_size=ens,
                                     gradient_weight=gw,
@@ -533,7 +533,7 @@ def generate_jobs(args: argparse.Namespace) -> list[JobConfig]:
                                 structure_path=structure,
                                 density_path=density,
                                 resolution=resolution,
-                                model=model,
+                                model_name=model,
                                 scaler=scaler,
                                 ensemble_size=ens,
                                 gradient_weight=gw,
@@ -573,7 +573,7 @@ def save_results(
     new_run_keys = {
         (
             r.protein,
-            r.model,
+            r.model_name,
             r.method,
             r.scaler,
             r.ensemble_size,
@@ -587,7 +587,7 @@ def save_results(
     for existing_run in existing_runs:
         key = (
             existing_run.get("protein"),
-            existing_run.get("model"),
+            existing_run.get("model_name"),
             existing_run.get("method"),
             existing_run.get("scaler"),
             existing_run.get("ensemble_size"),
diff --git a/src/sampleworks/cli/guidance.py b/src/sampleworks/cli/guidance.py
index 737757b7..ef945a77 100644
--- a/src/sampleworks/cli/guidance.py
+++ b/src/sampleworks/cli/guidance.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ def main(argv: list[str] | None = None) -> int:
     device, model_wrapper = get_model_and_device(
         config.device,
         getattr(config, "model_checkpoint", None),
-        config.model,
+        config.model_name,
         config=config,
     )
     result = run_guidance(config, config.guidance_type, model_wrapper, device)
diff --git a/src/sampleworks/utils/guidance_script_arguments.py b/src/sampleworks/utils/guidance_script_arguments.py
index c1f318cd..27f68457 100644
--- a/src/sampleworks/utils/guidance_script_arguments.py
+++ b/src/sampleworks/utils/guidance_script_arguments.py
@@ -216,7 +216,7 @@ class GuidanceConfig:
     protein: str
     structure: Path | str  # actually a path to a structure file
     density: Path | str
-    model: str | StructurePredictor
+    model_name: str | StructurePredictor
     guidance_type: str | GuidanceType
     log_path: str
     output_dir: str = "output"
@@ -242,23 +242,23 @@ def add_argument(self, name: str, default: Any = None, **kwargs):
     def from_cli(
         cls,
         argv: list[str] | None = None,
-        model: str | None = None,
+        model_name: str | None = None,
         guidance_type: str | None = None,
     ) -> GuidanceConfig:
         """Parse CLI arguments and return a fully populated GuidanceConfig.
 
-        When *model* and *guidance_type* are provided (e.g. from legacy
+        When *model_name* and *guidance_type* are provided (e.g. from legacy
         scripts), they are used directly and ``--model`` / ``--guidance-type``
         are not required on the command line.  Otherwise they are parsed as
         required CLI arguments.
         """
         model_choices = [m.value for m in StructurePredictor]
         guidance_choices = [g.value for g in GuidanceType]
-        model_preset = model is not None
+        model_preset = model_name is not None
         guidance_preset = guidance_type is not None
 
-        if model_preset and model not in model_choices:
-            raise ValueError(f"Unknown model type: {model}")
+        if model_preset and model_name not in model_choices:
+            raise ValueError(f"Unknown model type: {model_name}")
         if guidance_preset and guidance_type not in guidance_choices:
             raise ValueError(f"Unknown guidance type: {guidance_type}")
 
@@ -268,6 +268,7 @@ def from_cli(
             if not model_preset:
                 pre.add_argument(
                     "--model",
+                    dest="model_name",
                     type=str,
                     required=True,
                     choices=model_choices,
@@ -282,17 +283,21 @@ def from_cli(
                     help="Guidance method",
                 )
             pre_args, _ = pre.parse_known_args(argv)
-            model = model or pre_args.model
+            model_name = model_name or pre_args.model_name
             guidance_type = guidance_type or pre_args.guidance_type
 
+        if model_name is None or guidance_type is None:
+            raise RuntimeError("CLI parsing did not resolve a model name and guidance type")
+
         # -- full parser -----------------------------------------------------
         parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
-            description=f"Run {guidance_type} guidance with {model}",
+            description=f"Run {guidance_type} guidance with {model_name}",
         )
         parser.add_argument(
             "--model",
+            dest="model_name",
             type=str,
-            default=model,
+            default=model_name,
             choices=model_choices,
             help=argparse.SUPPRESS if model_preset else "Structure prediction model",
         )
@@ -310,14 +315,14 @@ def from_cli(
             help="Protein identifier (must match naming used in grid search / evaluation)",
         )
         add_generic_args(parser)
-        _MODEL_ARG_ADDERS[model](parser)
+        _MODEL_ARG_ADDERS[model_name](parser)
         _GUIDANCE_ARG_ADDERS[guidance_type](parser)
 
         args = parser.parse_args(argv)
 
-        if model_preset and args.model != model:
+        if model_preset and args.model_name != model_name:
             parser.error(
-                f"This script is fixed to --model {model}."
+                f"This script is fixed to --model {model_name}."
                 f" Use sampleworks-guidance for other models."
             )
         if guidance_preset and args.guidance_type != guidance_type:
@@ -330,7 +335,7 @@ def from_cli(
             protein=args.protein,
             structure=args.structure,
             density=args.density,
-            model=model,
+            model_name=model_name,
             guidance_type=guidance_type,
             log_path=getattr(args, "log_path", None) or "",
             output_dir=args.output_dir,
@@ -363,9 +368,9 @@ def __post_init__(self):
             raise ValueError(f"Unknown guidance type: {self.guidance_type}")
 
         try:
-            _MODEL_ARG_ADDERS[self.model](self)
+            _MODEL_ARG_ADDERS[self.model_name](self)
         except KeyError:
-            raise ValueError(f"Unknown model type: {self.model}")
+            raise ValueError(f"Unknown model type: {self.model_name}")
 
     def populate_config_for_guidance_type(self, job: JobConfig, args: argparse.Namespace):
         """Apply per-job grid-search values onto this guidance configuration."""
@@ -374,13 +379,13 @@ def populate_config_for_guidance_type(self, job: JobConfig, args: argparse.Names
             self.model_checkpoint = checkpoint
         elif not getattr(self, "model_checkpoint", None):
             # Auto-resolve from baked-in /checkpoints/ or legacy fallback paths
-            model_key = str(self.model).lower().replace("structurepredictor.", "")
+            model_key = str(self.model_name).lower().replace("structurepredictor.", "")
             self.model_checkpoint = _resolve_checkpoint(model_key)
 
-        if job.model == StructurePredictor.BOLTZ_2 and job.method:
+        if job.model_name == StructurePredictor.BOLTZ_2 and job.method:
             self.method = job.method
 
-        if job.model == StructurePredictor.RF3:
+        if job.model_name == StructurePredictor.RF3:
             self.disable_chiral_features = getattr(args, "disable_chiral_features", False)
             self.track_chiral_features = getattr(args, "track_chiral_features", False)
 
@@ -648,7 +653,7 @@ class JobConfig:
     structure_path: Path | str
     density_path: Path | str
     resolution: float
-    model: str
+    model_name: str
     scaler: str
     ensemble_size: int
     gradient_weight: float
@@ -663,7 +668,7 @@ class JobResult:
     """Serializable status record produced after a guidance job finishes."""
 
     protein: str
-    model: str
+    model_name: str
     method: str | None
     scaler: str
     ensemble_size: int
diff --git a/src/sampleworks/utils/guidance_script_utils.py b/src/sampleworks/utils/guidance_script_utils.py
index 0f511a61..8b51f4c0 100644
--- a/src/sampleworks/utils/guidance_script_utils.py
+++ b/src/sampleworks/utils/guidance_script_utils.py
@@ -715,7 +715,7 @@ def get_job_result(
     end_time = epoch_seconds(ended_at)
     result = JobResult(
         protein=args.protein,
-        model=args.model,
+        model_name=args.model_name,
         method=getattr(args, "method", None),
         scaler=args.guidance_type,
         ensemble_size=args.ensemble_size,
@@ -740,7 +740,7 @@ def run_guidance_job_queue(job_queue_path: str) -> list[JobResult]:
     template_job = job_queue[0]
     if template_job.model_checkpoint is None or template_job.model_checkpoint == "":
         # Auto-resolve from baked-in /checkpoints/ or legacy fallback paths
-        model_key = str(template_job.model).lower().replace("structurepredictor.", "")
+        model_key = str(template_job.model_name).lower().replace("structurepredictor.", "")
         resolved = _resolve_checkpoint(model_key)  # will raise if not found
         template_job.model_checkpoint = resolved
         # Propagate to all jobs in the queue
@@ -751,7 +751,7 @@ def run_guidance_job_queue(job_queue_path: str) -> list[JobResult]:
     device, model_wrapper = get_model_and_device(
         str(template_job.device),
         template_job.model_checkpoint,
-        template_job.model,  # this is not actually the model, it's the model name, e.g. boltz2
+        template_job.model_name,
         config=template_job,
     )
     job_results = []
diff --git a/tests/cli/test_guidance_cli.py b/tests/cli/test_guidance_cli.py
index ea415edb..a916a4da 100644
--- a/tests/cli/test_guidance_cli.py
+++ b/tests/cli/test_guidance_cli.py
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ class TestFromCliUnified:
     def test_boltz2_pure_guidance(self):
         argv = ["--model", "boltz2", "--guidance-type", "pure_guidance"] + COMMON_ARGS
         config = GuidanceConfig.from_cli(argv)
-        assert config.model == "boltz2"
+        assert config.model_name == "boltz2"
         assert config.guidance_type == "pure_guidance"
         assert config.protein == "1VME"
         assert config.structure == "test.cif"
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ def test_boltz2_pure_guidance(self):
     def test_rf3_fk_steering(self):
         argv = ["--model", "rf3", "--guidance-type", "fk_steering"] + COMMON_ARGS
         config = GuidanceConfig.from_cli(argv)
-        assert config.model == "rf3"
+        assert config.model_name == "rf3"
         assert config.guidance_type == "fk_steering"
         assert hasattr(config, "num_particles")
         assert hasattr(config, "fk_lambda")
@@ -123,10 +123,10 @@ class TestFromCliLegacyScripts:
     def test_preset_model_and_guidance_type(self):
         config = GuidanceConfig.from_cli(
             COMMON_ARGS,
-            model="boltz2",
+            model_name="boltz2",
             guidance_type="pure_guidance",
         )
-        assert config.model == "boltz2"
+        assert config.model_name == "boltz2"
         assert config.guidance_type == "pure_guidance"
         assert config.protein == "1VME"
 
@@ -134,10 +134,10 @@ def test_no_model_guidance_type_on_cli_required(self):
         """Legacy scripts should not require --model/--guidance-type on CLI."""
         config = GuidanceConfig.from_cli(
             COMMON_ARGS,
-            model="protenix",
+            model_name="protenix",
             guidance_type="fk_steering",
         )
-        assert config.model == "protenix"
+        assert config.model_name == "protenix"
         assert config.guidance_type == "fk_steering"
 
     @pytest.mark.parametrize("model", ["boltz1", "boltz2", "protenix", "rf3"])
@@ -145,10 +145,10 @@ def test_no_model_guidance_type_on_cli_required(self):
     def test_all_model_guidance_combos(self, model, guidance_type):
         config = GuidanceConfig.from_cli(
             COMMON_ARGS,
-            model=model,
+            model_name=model,
             guidance_type=guidance_type,
         )
-        assert config.model == model
+        assert config.model_name == model
         assert config.guidance_type == guidance_type
 
 
@@ -272,12 +272,12 @@ def test_msa_path_rejected_for_boltz1(self):
     def test_conflicting_model_in_preset_mode(self):
         argv = ["--model", "boltz2"] + COMMON_ARGS
         with pytest.raises(SystemExit):
-            GuidanceConfig.from_cli(argv, model="rf3", guidance_type="fk_steering")
+            GuidanceConfig.from_cli(argv, model_name="rf3", guidance_type="fk_steering")
 
     def test_conflicting_guidance_type_in_preset_mode(self):
         argv = ["--guidance-type", "fk_steering"] + COMMON_ARGS
         with pytest.raises(SystemExit):
-            GuidanceConfig.from_cli(argv, model="boltz1", guidance_type="pure_guidance")
+            GuidanceConfig.from_cli(argv, model_name="boltz1", guidance_type="pure_guidance")
 
     def test_fk_args_rejected_for_pure_guidance(self):
         argv = [
@@ -332,12 +332,12 @@ class TestPresetMatchingAccepted:
 
     def test_matching_model_accepted(self):
         argv = ["--model", "boltz1"] + COMMON_ARGS
-        config = GuidanceConfig.from_cli(argv, model="boltz1", guidance_type="fk_steering")
-        assert config.model == "boltz1"
+        config = GuidanceConfig.from_cli(argv, model_name="boltz1", guidance_type="fk_steering")
+        assert config.model_name == "boltz1"
 
     def test_matching_guidance_type_accepted(self):
         argv = ["--guidance-type", "pure_guidance"] + COMMON_ARGS
-        config = GuidanceConfig.from_cli(argv, model="boltz2", guidance_type="pure_guidance")
+        config = GuidanceConfig.from_cli(argv, model_name="boltz2", guidance_type="pure_guidance")
         assert config.guidance_type == "pure_guidance"
 
 
@@ -583,11 +583,11 @@ def test_help_exits_zero(self):
 
     def test_invalid_preset_model_raises(self):
         with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Unknown model type"):
-            GuidanceConfig.from_cli(COMMON_ARGS, model="typo", guidance_type="fk_steering")
+            GuidanceConfig.from_cli(COMMON_ARGS, model_name="typo", guidance_type="fk_steering")
 
     def test_invalid_preset_guidance_type_raises(self):
         with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Unknown guidance type"):
-            GuidanceConfig.from_cli(COMMON_ARGS, model="boltz1", guidance_type="typo")
+            GuidanceConfig.from_cli(COMMON_ARGS, model_name="boltz1", guidance_type="typo")
 
 
 class TestAlignmentReverseDiffusion:
diff --git a/tests/integration/test_mismatch_integration.py b/tests/integration/test_mismatch_integration.py
index 01393d4b..9daf8f7b 100644
--- a/tests/integration/test_mismatch_integration.py
+++ b/tests/integration/test_mismatch_integration.py
@@ -1016,7 +1016,7 @@ def test_save_with_model_template(self, tmp_path: Path):
             protein="1l63",
             structure=Path("dummy"),
             density=Path("dummy"),
-            model="boltz2",
+            model_name="boltz2",
             guidance_type="pure_guidance",
             log_path="dummy",
             output_dir=str(tmp_path),
diff --git a/tests/utils/conftest.py b/tests/utils/conftest.py
index d626d2fb..eb86734c 100644
--- a/tests/utils/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/utils/conftest.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ def guidance_job_result(tmp_path: Path) -> JobResult:
     """Successful JobResult populated with paths under ``tmp_path``."""
     return JobResult(
         protein="1l63",
-        model="boltz2",
+        model_name="boltz2",
         method=None,
         scaler="pure_guidance",
         ensemble_size=8,
diff --git a/tests/utils/test_guidance_script_arguments.py b/tests/utils/test_guidance_script_arguments.py
index f18d5aa1..7b3c9258 100644
--- a/tests/utils/test_guidance_script_arguments.py
+++ b/tests/utils/test_guidance_script_arguments.py
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ def _build_job(model: StructurePredictor) -> JobConfig:
         structure_path="/tmp/structure.cif",
         density_path="/tmp/density.mrc",
         resolution=2.0,
-        model=model,
+        model_name=model,
         scaler=GuidanceType.PURE_GUIDANCE,
         ensemble_size=1,
         gradient_weight=0.1,
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ def test_populate_config_resolves_checkpoint_when_none_provided(_mock_resolve, m
         protein="protein",
         structure="/tmp/structure.cif",
         density="/tmp/density.mrc",
-        model=model_wrapper_type,
+        model_name=model_wrapper_type,
         guidance_type=GuidanceType.PURE_GUIDANCE,
         log_path="/tmp/output/run.log",
     )
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ def test_populate_config_uses_model_checkpoint_argument(model_wrapper_type):
             protein="protein",
             structure="/tmp/structure.cif",
             density="/tmp/density.mrc",
-            model=model_wrapper_type,
+            model_name=model_wrapper_type,
             guidance_type=GuidanceType.PURE_GUIDANCE,
             log_path="/tmp/output/run.log",
         )
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@ def test_as_dict_remaps_all_four_path_fields(monkeypatch):
         protein="1abc",
         structure="/data/inputs/structures/1abc.cif",
         density="/data/inputs/maps/1abc.ccp4",
-        model=StructurePredictor.BOLTZ_2,
+        model_name=StructurePredictor.BOLTZ_2,
         guidance_type=GuidanceType.PURE_GUIDANCE,
         log_path="/data/results/1abc/boltz2/run.log",
         output_dir="/data/results/1abc/boltz2",
@@ -297,7 +297,7 @@ def test_as_dict_unchanged_when_no_env_vars(monkeypatch):
         protein="1abc",
         structure="/data/inputs/structures/1abc.cif",
         density="/data/inputs/maps/1abc.ccp4",
-        model=StructurePredictor.BOLTZ_2,
+        model_name=StructurePredictor.BOLTZ_2,
         guidance_type=GuidanceType.PURE_GUIDANCE,
         log_path="/data/results/1abc/run.log",
         output_dir="/data/results/1abc",
@@ -317,7 +317,7 @@ def test_as_dict_remaps_with_catchall_host_dir(monkeypatch):
         protein="1abc",
         structure="/data/inputs/structures/1abc.cif",
         density="/data/inputs/maps/1abc.ccp4",
-        model=StructurePredictor.BOLTZ_2,
+        model_name=StructurePredictor.BOLTZ_2,
         guidance_type=GuidanceType.PURE_GUIDANCE,
         log_path="/data/results/1abc/run.log",
         output_dir="/data/results/1abc",
diff --git a/tests/utils/test_guidance_script_utils.py b/tests/utils/test_guidance_script_utils.py
index a91a0fa5..f09176c0 100644
--- a/tests/utils/test_guidance_script_utils.py
+++ b/tests/utils/test_guidance_script_utils.py
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ def test_save_everything_uses_model_atom_array_for_mismatch(tmp_path: Path):
         protein="1l63",
         structure=Path("dummy"),
         density=Path("dummy"),
-        model="boltz2",
+        model_name="boltz2",
         guidance_type="pure_guidance",
         log_path="dummy",
         output_dir=str(tmp_path),
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ def test_write_job_metadata_with_job_result_appends_timing_and_status(
         protein="1l63",
         structure=Path("dummy"),
         density=Path("dummy"),
-        model="boltz2",
+        model_name="boltz2",
         guidance_type="pure_guidance",
         log_path="dummy",
         output_dir=str(tmp_path),
@@ -134,6 +134,8 @@ def test_write_job_metadata_with_job_result_appends_timing_and_status(
     # GuidanceConfig keys are preserved
     assert metadata["protein"] == "1l63"
     assert metadata["guidance_type"] == "pure_guidance"
+    assert metadata["model_name"] == "boltz2"
+    assert "model" not in metadata
     # JobResult-only keys are appended
     assert metadata["started_at"] == "2026-05-05T10:00:00"
     assert metadata["finished_at"] == "2026-05-05T10:00:12.340000"
@@ -151,7 +153,7 @@ def test_write_job_metadata_creates_missing_output_dir(
         protein="1l63",
         structure=Path("dummy"),
         density=Path("dummy"),
-        model="boltz2",
+        model_name="boltz2",
         guidance_type="pure_guidance",
         log_path="dummy",
         output_dir=str(nested),
@@ -182,14 +184,14 @@ def test_write_job_metadata_remaps_job_result_paths_to_host(
         protein="1l63",
         structure=Path("dummy"),
         density=Path("dummy"),
-        model="boltz2",
+        model_name="boltz2",
         guidance_type="pure_guidance",
         log_path=container_log,
         output_dir=container_output,
     )
     job_result = JobResult(
         protein="1l63",
-        model="boltz2",
+        model_name="boltz2",
         method=None,
         scaler="pure_guidance",
         ensemble_size=8,