Fully Funded PhD Research Assistant Positions in GIS/GeoAI at Oklahoma State University 

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Dr. Tao Hu at Oklahoma State University (OSU) is inviting applications for fully funded PhD Research Assistant (GRA) positions starting Spring 2027 or Fall 2027. The role centers on National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded projects that apply GIS and Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) to public health challenges. Applicants from GIS, Computer Science, Informatics, Mathematics, Statistics, Epidemiology, or related backgrounds are welcome, with preference for candidates who are proficient in GIS tools, comfortable with programming, and genuinely interested in Dr. Hu’s research areas. This is a strong opportunity for international students, including those from Nigeria and across Africa, seeking fully funded doctoral research in geospatial data science and public health.

Scholarship Overview

What Does the Position Cover?

This is described as a fully funded PhD Research Assistant (GRA) position. Confirmed details from the source material:

• Full funding for PhD study as a Graduate Research Assistant
• Mentorship and training aimed at helping students become independent scholars
• Opportunities to publish in top-tier international conferences and journals
• Opportunities to collaborate with world-class researchers

Exact figures for tuition waivers, stipend amount, or health insurance are not specified in the available information — applicants should confirm these details directly with Dr. Hu.

Eligibility Requirements

• Background in GIS, Computer Science, Informatics, Mathematics, Statistics, Epidemiology, or a related field
• Preference given to candidates who are: highly motivated, proficient in GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS Pro), familiar with quantitative methods, comfortable with programming, eager to learn, hardworking, and interested in Dr. Hu’s research focus areas
• Research focus areas include: geospatial big data analytics, human behavior and public health, location-based social media data analytics, Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI), human mobility, and spatial epidemiology
• International applicants must also provide TOEFL or IELTS test results

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Academic transcripts
• A research plan
• TOEFL or IELTS test results (international applicants only)
• A separate OSU Graduate Application (in addition to materials sent directly to Dr. Hu)

How to Apply

1. Review Dr. Hu’s research focus areas to confirm alignment with your own interests and background.
2. Prepare your resume, transcripts, and a research plan.
3. If applying as an international student, also prepare your TOEFL or IELTS results.
4. Email all materials directly to Dr. Tao Hu at tao.hu@okstate.edu.
5. Separately, complete the OSU Graduate Application required for formal admission to the university’s PhD programme.

Important Dates

Can International Students Apply?

Yes. The position explicitly requests TOEFL or IELTS results from international applicants, confirming that students from outside the United States are eligible to apply, alongside the standard OSU Graduate Application process.

Can African and Nigerian Students Apply?

Yes. No nationality restriction is stated; the position is open to qualified applicants internationally, including students from Nigeria and other African countries, provided they meet the academic background requirements and, if applicable, submit English proficiency test scores.

Important Things to Know

• This is a research assistantship tied to a specific NSF/NIH-funded research programme under Dr. Tao Hu, not a general university-wide scholarship — fit with his research areas matters for selection.
• You must apply in two parts: emailing materials directly to Dr. Hu, and separately completing the formal OSU Graduate Application.
• International applicants need TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Preference is given to candidates proficient in GIS tools such as ArcGIS Pro and comfortable with programming.
• Exact funding figures (stipend, tuition coverage specifics) are not detailed in the available information — confirm these with Dr. Hu directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for this PhD position at Oklahoma State University? Students with a background in GIS, Computer Science, Informatics, Mathematics, Statistics, Epidemiology, or a related field, particularly those with GIS tool proficiency and programming skills.

Can international students apply? Yes — international applicants are explicitly asked to provide TOEFL or IELTS results.

Can Nigerian or African students apply? Yes, there is no nationality restriction in the information provided.

Is this position fully funded? Yes, it is described as a fully funded PhD Research Assistant position, though exact stipend and tuition details are not specified.

When can I start? Spring 2027 or Fall 2027.

What documents do I need? A resume, transcripts, a research plan, and, for international applicants, TOEFL or IELTS results — plus a separate OSU Graduate Application.

Who do I contact to apply? Dr. Tao Hu, at tao.hu@okstate.edu.

Apply here