Application Deadline
October 17, 2026
Oklahoma State University (OSU) is inviting applications for fully funded Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) and Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) positions in GIS, GeoHealth, geospatial big data analytics and GeoAI. The positions are being offered through the research group led by Dr. Tao Hu, with opportunities available for students beginning in Spring 2027 or Fall 2027. The funded PhD positions are connected to recently funded National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) projects. Research will use geographic information systems, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence to investigate important public health challenges. The opportunity is open to prospective students from several academic backgrounds, including GIS, computer science, informatics, mathematics, statistics and epidemiology. Fully Funded PhD Positions at Oklahoma State University The GRA/GTA positions provide an opportunity for doctoral students to undertake advanced research while receiving funding through the research group. Dr. Hu’s research focuses on applying geospatial technologies and computational methods to understand human behaviour, mobility and public health. Successful applicants will receive mentorship and training aimed at helping them develop into independent researchers and scholars. The research environment is particularly relevant to students interested in the intersection of geospatial science, artificial intelligence, big data and public health. Applicants may be considered for research beginning in either Spring 2027 or Fall 2027, depending on the available position and admission arrangements. Research Areas Prospective PhD students are encouraged to have research interests related to one or more of Dr. Hu’s research areas. These include: Geospatial big data analytics Human behaviour and public health Location-based social media data analytics Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) Human mobility Spatial epidemiology The research projects are expected to use GIS and computational approaches to address public health questions, making the positions relevant to applicants interested in interdisciplinary research. Who Can Apply? Applicants with academic backgrounds in several quantitative and technology-related disciplines are welcome to apply. Relevant backgrounds include: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Computer Science Informatics Mathematics Statistics Epidemiology Related fields The research group is particularly interested in candidates who are highly motivated and prepared to work in an interdisciplinary research environment. Applicants with proficiency in GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with quantitative research methods and programming is also relevant to the positions. Candidates should demonstrate an interest in learning new methods and applying technical skills to research questions involving geospatial data and public health. Preferred Skills and Qualities While applicants from several disciplines are eligible, the research group identifies a number of qualities that may be valuable for prospective students. These include proficiency with GIS tools, familiarity with quantitative methods and comfort with programming. An interest in geospatial big data, GeoAI, human mobility or spatial epidemiology can also help demonstrate alignment with the research group’s work. Successful applicants will be expected to engage actively in research and develop their skills through mentorship and training. Benefits and Research Opportunities The positions are described as fully funded PhD Research Assistant opportunities, providing prospective doctoral students with an opportunity to pursue graduate research while working on funded research projects. Successful students will receive mentorship and training intended to support their development as productive and independent scholars. The research group also highlights opportunities to: Publish research in international conferences and journals. Collaborate with researchers from around the world. Develop advanced research and analytical skills. Work on NSF- and NIH-funded research projects. Build expertise in GIS, GeoAI and geospatial big data. Develop a research profile in interdisciplinary public health research. The combination of geospatial technology, artificial intelligence and health research provides students with exposure to several rapidly developing areas of academic research. Requirements for International Applicants International applicants are welcome to express their interest in the positions. In addition to submitting their academic application materials, international prospective students should provide their TOEFL or IELTS test results to Dr. Hu. Applicants should ensure that their English-language documentation and academic records are ready when contacting the research group. The official graduate application process at Oklahoma State University should also be reviewed before submission. How to Apply Prospective students interested in the fully funded PhD positions should contact Dr. Tao Hu directly by email. Applicants are required to submit: A current resume or CV. Academic transcripts. A research plan. TOEFL or IELTS results for international applicants. The research plan should clearly communicate the applicant’s research interests and demonstrate how their background aligns with the group’s areas of research in GIS, GeoHealth, geospatial big data analytics and GeoAI. Candidates should also review the Oklahoma State University graduate application requirements and complete the relevant graduate application process. Application Timeline The positions are intended for students starting in Spring 2027 or Fall 2027. The information provided for the opportunity does not specify a single application deadline for all applicants. Prospective students should therefore contact Dr. Tao Hu and review Oklahoma State University’s graduate admissions requirements for the relevant programme and intake. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their CV, transcripts and research plan in advance so that their application materials clearly demonstrate their academic preparation, technical skills and research interests. About Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University–Stillwater is a public land-grant research university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The university is classified as an R1 doctoral university, reflecting its high level of research activity. For prospective doctoral students, OSU provides a research-oriented academic environment with graduate programmes, research facilities and opportunities to work with faculty on externally funded projects. The fully funded GRA/GTA positions therefore offer an opportunity for qualified students to pursue doctoral research while developing expertise in the growing fields of GIS, GeoAI, geospatial analytics and public health. VISIT HERE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. 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Category
grant
Type
online
Organization / Source
globalsouthopportunities.com
Posted
September 17, 2026
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