CEPS Research Assistant – Green Transition and Sustainable Societies: An Opportunity for Early-Career Researchers

CEPS Research Assistant – Green Transition and Sustainable Societies: An Opportunity for Early-Career Researchers

The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) is inviting motivated early-career researchers to apply for its Research Assistant position in Green Transition and Sustainable Societies. The successful candidate will join the organisation’s Energy, Resources and Climate Change (ERCC) Unit and contribute to research activities under the MultiFutures project.

Based in Brussels, Belgium, this opportunity is suitable for candidates with postgraduate qualifications and a strong interest in sustainability, climate justice, environmental policy and the transition towards greener societies. It offers an opportunity to contribute to policy research, prepare publications and engage with professionals and partner organisations working on important environmental and economic challenges.

About the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)

Founded in Brussels in 1983, CEPS is a leading think tank and forum for debate on European Union affairs. The organisation has consistently been ranked among the world’s top 10 think tanks and is recognised for its strong in-house research capacity and extensive international network of partner institutes.

CEPS conducts research and contributes to discussions on policies affecting Europe and the wider international community. Its funding comes from various sources, primarily research grants and public procurement, alongside membership and conference fees.

The organisation brings together researchers, policymakers, institutions and other stakeholders to examine policy challenges and develop evidence-based recommendations. Through its research activities and international partnerships, CEPS provides a platform for informed debate on economic, environmental and social issues.

About the Energy, Resources and Climate Change Unit

The successful candidate will work within the Energy, Resources and Climate Change (ERCC) Unit, one of CEPS’ largest research teams.

The unit focuses on several interconnected policy areas, including European and international climate policy, energy transition, resource management and the circular economy. Its research also covers global value chains, raw materials policies, carbon markets, the European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS), energy-intensive industries, industrial transformation and energy security.

In addition to research and policy projects, the ERCC Unit organises multi-stakeholder events that bring together relevant organisations and experts. The Research Assistant will contribute to this work, particularly in areas connected to the green transition and sustainable societies.

Key Responsibilities

• The Research Assistant will support the research activities of the ERCC Unit as part of the MultiFutures project. The position will involve producing research outputs, contributing to project development and engaging with project partners.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to research on the green transition and sustainable societies.

• Writing studies, project reports and policy papers.

• Supporting the preparation and development of research proposals.

• Giving presentations on relevant research findings and project activities.

• Representing CEPS during partner and consortium project meetings.

• Working with colleagues and project partners to deliver research objectives.

• The role will require strong analytical and communication skills, together with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.

• Required Qualifications and Experience

• CEPS is seeking candidates with a relevant postgraduate academic background and a demonstrated interest in sustainability and environmental policy.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in one of the following or a related discipline:

• Economics

• Ecological or environmental economics

• Sustainability

• International relations

• Political science

• Candidates should also have developed an interest and expertise in the green transition, sustainable societies and climate justice.

Advanced knowledge of at least one of the following areas is required:

• Eco-social policies

• Raw materials

• Industrial decarbonisation

• Circular economy

• Climate justice

• In addition, applicants should demonstrate excellent written and spoken English, as well as proven quantitative and data analysis skills.

• The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently and collaborating with colleagues. Strong professional ethics, respect for deadlines, openness to feedback and an ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds are also important. CEPS values empathy, kindness and respect among colleagues and expects the successful candidate to contribute positively to the wider organisation.

• Employment Conditions and Benefits

• CEPS initially offers a full-time, 12-month employment contract, which may be renewed depending on the successful candidate’s performance and the availability of resources.

The salary will be determined according to the CEPS salary scale. Although the exact salary amount has not been specified in the vacancy announcement, the organisation offers a benefits package that includes:

• Group and hospitalisation insurance.

• Meal tickets.

• Reimbursement of public transport expenses.

• 20 days of statutory annual leave.

• An additional two weeks of leave during the Christmas and New Year period when CEPS closes.

• The possibility of teleworking from within Belgium.

• Up to 20 days per calendar year of teleworking from abroad.

• The position will be based in Brussels, Belgium, and CEPS would prefer the selected candidate to begin work no later than early January 2027.

• Career Development Opportunities

• The appointment will be made at Research Assistant level, providing an opportunity for an early-career professional to strengthen research capabilities and gain practical experience in European and international policy work.

• Through the role, the successful candidate will work with experienced researchers, contribute to studies and policy publications, and participate in project meetings and professional discussions.

• There may also be opportunities to progress to Researcher level, depending on performance. CEPS supports staff development through its Learning and Development Programme, which helps employees acquire and improve the skills required for their positions.

• For a researcher interested in climate policy, sustainable development and environmental economics, the position offers valuable exposure to research processes and policy discussions within an established European think tank.