Hate to have you call someone out, but any specific examples? Before I respond, want to be sure I understand the question.
Seems some Christians in biology–I have talked to at least one on my podcast–seem to think that God’s action was limited to creating the universe (the watchmaker winding the watch), and then really only acting again in relationship with humans. To them, life and the evolution of life were things that naturally flowed out of His initial, perfect creation, needing no additional, direct action by God.
But this doesn’t sound like the crowd you are referencing? Seems you are saying there are some who believe God intervened in the creation of life and/or in guiding evolution, but they are silent about this belief? But, if they are silent, how do we know what they believe?
I think a larger issue, which may encompass your question, is Christians in science who are silent about their faith. Period.
For that issue, I have found a high correlation between when they more fully “come out” as Christians, linked to when then achieve full tenure in a faculty teaching position. Some exceptions to this, including on this board, but seems fairly common to keep your head down until you feel more “safe,” and many have confirmed this with me.