WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday he wants to begin talks with President-elect Joe Biden to ensure a smooth transition for the new administration but believes the Biden team is wary of putting him in a “compromised position” as President Donald Trump refuses to concede the election.

Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, hasn’t spoken to Biden as the U.S. battles a significant spike in the coronavirus pandemic and the president-elect looks to start working on his plan to combat the virus.