Dr Laura Jobson completed her PhD (Clinical Psychology) at the Australian National University in 2008. Following that she took up a post as Clinical Lecturer/Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of East Anglia (United Kingdom). In 2010, Dr Jobson was awarded a prestigious National Institute for Health Research Fellowship which was hosted by the University of East Anglia and the Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Medical Research Council, University of Cambridge. In 2015 she moved to Monash University to take up the position of Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychological Sciences. 

Dr Jobson leads the Culture, Trauma and Mental Health Research Group at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health. There are two related themes in her program of research: 1) emotional and cognitive substrates of PTSD and depression, and 2) translational studies. In the emotional and cognitive substrates arm, Dr Jobson’s research has investigated the role of instrumental psychological processes, specifically, autobiographical memory, appraisals and the self, in the development and maintenance of PTSD and depression. In particular, her research has addressed a major limitation associated with cognitive models and treatments of these disorders; namely, that they have been developed based on Western cultural norms and values. Her research explores the influence of culture on current understandings and treatment of trauma and mental health. This research involves working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia and cross-country research with collaborators in Malaysia, Iran, Afghanistan and China. 

In the translational arm, Dr Jobson has been involved in developing cost-effective interventions targeting disruptions in memory for those with PTSD and depression. This research has predominately focused on developing interventions that can be delivered in humanitarian contexts and low- and middle-income countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Iraq), Dr Jobson currently has over 100 publications in the area and has received funding from several sources (e.g., NHMRC, Elrha, Wellcome Trust, Mental Research Institute, National Institute for Health Research, National Health Service Trusts). She is currently a registered clinical psychologist.

Related Links:

• School profile
• Psych: Research Themes