The Jackson Laboratory

Workshop on Surgical Techniques in the Laboratory Mouse

Location: The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine

Learn in-demand surgical techniques

This four-day workshop will equip participants with essential skills in mouse surgical techniques and select surgical procedures. Whether you're new to mouse surgery or looking to refine your techniques, this comprehensive workshop covers a wide range of information and skills needed to perform successful surgical procedures in the laboratory mouse.

In-Person Capacity: 20

Apr

14 - 17

2026

About

Receive hands-on training from the JAX surgical team to develop practical skills required for various surgical procedures in laboratory mice. You will engage in practical sessions that emphasize not only the technical aspects of surgery but also the foundational knowledge necessary for successful outcomes such as surgical space preparation, how to assess depth of anesthesia, atraumatic and aseptic technique best practices, heat loss prevention, wound closure materials and applications, as well as postoperative recovery considerations.  Additionally, participants will learn basic mouse anatomy, how to perform surgery using a microscope, mouse handing, restraint, and IP and subcutaneous injections.

Surgical techniques covered include:
  • Castration and vasectomy. Learn male sterilization techniques essential for hormone, endocrine and behavioral studies and for effective reproductive control.
  • Ovariectomy and ovarian transplantation. Master female reproductive surgeries to support a range of research applications.
  • Adrenalectomy and splenectomy. Gain expertise in endocrine and immune system-related surgeries.
  • Thymectomy and nephrectomy. Understand the intricacies of removing the thymus and kidney for studies on immunity and renal function.
  • Jugular vein catheterization. Acquire skills for precise catheter placement and tips for maximizing patency.

Why Attend?

You will leave this in-person workshop with valuable skills that can be applied to your research projects. Our experienced and supportive surgeons will provide participants with personalized feedback as they work through each surgical procedure.

Completion of the workshop may be used towards continuing education units for AALAS and Academy of Surgical Research (ASR) re-certification.

View the 2025 schedule here to get an idea of course content and flow.

Accommodation Information

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Erin McDevitt at 207-288-6000 x256659 or [email protected].

Registration

In-Person Standard

Registration Fee: $2,800

Includes lodging at Highseas and meals listed in the course schedule

Credit card payment is required at the time of registration. If you need to pay by check or wire transfer, please contact the event planner for offline registration/payment instructions.

Register Now

Travel Information

On-Campus

Lodging accommodations at JAX’s Highseas Conference Center is included in the registration fee. Highseas, located approximately 1 mile from The Jackson Laboratory, is a spacious estate built in 1912, overlooking the entrance to Frenchman Bay and adjacent to beautiful Acadia National Park. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to the Conference Center. We do provide shuttles to and from the main campus for the duration of the course. Highseas is handicap accessible (please indicate accessibility needs in registration). This lodging option cannot accommodate families. Rooms may be shared with other participants.

Off-Campus

Participants interested in securing off-campus lodging may refer to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website for a guide on hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and short-term rentals in the Bar Harbor area.

Meals will be provided by JAX’s campus dining services throughout the event. Participants staying off-campus may still partake in meals at Highseas. Please refer to the event schedule for more information.

Participants must adhere to Maine State travel, health and safety guidelines at the time of the event and use good judgement when arranging lodging. We recommend participants be familiar with their hotel’s cancellation policies prior to booking. The Jackson Laboratory is not responsible for lodging expenses or losses incurred due to the cancellation or rescheduling of an event.

Event Contact

Lexi Vanzura, B.S.

People

Leanne MiceliLeanne MiceliTechnical Training Specialist

©2026 The Jackson Laboratory