miRmaid is an open source computational data framework for microRNA research(1). Its core is data from miRbase, but it can be extended in a modular way using plugins. An often requested feature is a plugin for microRNA target predictions. However, there is not a single but numerous microRNA target prediction algorithms described in the literature. The objective of this project is to develop a plugin that is capable of integrating the most important information from the main target prediction algorithms, allowing a easy meta-analysis of miRNA target prediction.
The plugin will be contributed to the mirmaid open source project. Thus upon the completion of this project the student will be an open source bioinformatics developer.
Requirements: The student must have experience with object oriented programming techniques. Ruby experience is preferred, but students with high-level python or java-skills would also be eligible. Prior experience with open source development would be an advantages, but is not required.
1. Jacobsen, A., Krogh, A., Kauppinen, S. & Lindow, M. miRMaid: a unified programming interface for microRNA data resources. BMC Bioinformatics 11, 29 (2010).
For information about how to apply see this post.