Database system for storage and analysis of neural stem cell data

NeuroNova is discovering and developing novel treatments for disorders of the brain and nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury and stroke. Technologies being developed by NeuroNova include protein and small molecule drugs that stimulate endogenous neural precursor cells (stem or progenitor cells) to proliferate and differentiate into new fully functional neurons, replacing neurons lost through disease or injury. Other therapeutic technologies are aimed at generating cultured adult precursor cells capable of restoring brain function following transplantation in patients with CNS disorders.

A key element of NeuroNova¿s drug discovery program is the in-house developed bioinformatics system. The student will, in collaboration with the bioinformatics group, design, develop, implement and test a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) for storage and analysis of data generated culturing adult neural stem cells.

The master thesis project consists of the following parts:
· Analysis of systems requirements outlined in performed pre-study
· System modelling
· Implementation of database structure
· Design and implementation of user interface
· Documentation and testing using existing data
All parts are made in collaboration with the supervisor.

The applicant should preferably fulfil the following criteria:
· Student at a Master of Science program (magister, civilingenjör)
· Preferably experience with laboratory work, cell cultivation
· Knowledge about some of the following programs, languages and systems
- Linux
- Apache
- MySQL
- Perl
- HTML
· Knowledge about software engineering, databases and preferably computer graphics
· Ability to understand, solve, communicate and learn
· Interdisciplinary interest for biology and computer science