Applications are invited for a PhD student to work on higher spin structures on Riemann surfaces and their real forms. The project brings together the theory of Riemann surfaces and real algebraic geometry and has connections with modern physics. This is an exciting project in a relatively new area of real algebraic geometry, there is an opportunity for a student to start original research early within the studentship. The project is close to the areas of expertise of other members of the pure mathematics division at Liverpool, namely in singularity theory, algebraic geometry and dynamics. Thus there will be ample opportunity for the student to interact fruitfully with other graduate students, with postdoctoral researchers and with members of the department.
In addition to benefiting from individual supervision, the student will be able to take advantage of a range of masters level modules and research seminars, both within the University of Liverpool and available via the MAGIC consortium, to obtain a broad mathematical education at a high level. The project is funded by the Leverhulme Trust.

The studentship provides maintenance of £13,590 p.a. (tax free) plus fees. EU and international students are eligible, but note that only fees corresponding to the home student rate will be paid and Non EU students must find the difference from other sources. There is also funding to pay for computing resources and travel to summer schools and conferences.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 31 May 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application